The BESLA CHICAGO 2026 ACTORS & WRITERS WORKSHOP
BESLA (BLACK ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS LAWYER ASSOCIATION) provides access to key industry influencers and innovators through premiere programming and opportunities.

The BESLA Chicago actors & writers workshop is designed to give emerging talents the opportunity to perfect their craft of acting from top industry leaders.

12 actors & 6 writers will be selected to take part in our acting workshop on Wednesday July 22nd from 9-6pm. Classes will be taught by celebrity/on set acting coach, CIFF award winning actor & director (and former original Fly Girl) Jossie Harris. The actors will perform in front of key industry judges and receive feedback. The actors will be recognized during the BESLA regional event on THURSDAY night July 23RD and given an award.

NO CHARGE TO SUBMIT

DO NOT SUBMIT SHORT FILMS, WEBSERIES OR DOCUMENTARIES. THEY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

U.S. ENTRIES ONLY

Awards & Prizes

The top actor & writer will be announced during the 2026 Besla Chicago regional conference event

Rules & Terms

1. Applicants will have from Monday June 15th 2026 until Saturday July 11th 2026 to submit a self taped monologue up to 3 min.

ONLY MONOLOGUES WILL BE ACCEPTED. NO FILMS OR WEBSERIES
Submission process Instructions. Please follow carefully:

1. ACTORS
Create and record a up to a 3 min monologue with clear audio and a plain background that doesn’t distract from the recording. Lighting and video quality must be bright, clear, and sharp.

2. Create a Project on FilmFreeway. Log in to your FilmFreeway account and click 'My Projects', then 'Add New Project'. Thoroughly complete the details on this page. Make sure you have selected 'Film/Video' as 'Project Type' in Section 1. After you have created and saved a Project, you can revisit this page by going to 'My Projects', then clicking 'Edit'.

4. Actors upload your Monologue, Go to 'My Projects', then 'Project File' to upload.

5. Attach your résumé and headshot. Go to My Projects, click 'View', then click 'Add a File' in the 'Files and Attachments' section to upload your résumé and headshot.

WRITERS
SUBMIT A SAMPLE SCREENPLAY 1-3 PGS

6. Click 'Submit Now'

Questions
1. Are there any costs to the applicants?
No, it is free of charge.

2. Can a candidate apply if they are represented by an agent or manager?
Yes, you are eligible to apply.

3. Will waivers be offered and accepted?
No late submissions will be accepted. No waivers will be offered.

4. Who is eligible to apply?
Any actor 18 or over
If you are over 18 by the time the fellowship starts on July 22nd feel free to apply.

5. Must I be a U.S. citizen in order to apply?
No

NO CHARGE TO SUBMIT

DO NOT SUBMIT SHORT FILMS, WEBSERIES OR DOCUMENTARIES. THEY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

U.S. ENTRIES ONLY
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Shayla Day

    Absolutely phenomenal!! I am so glad to have had the chance to be a part of this. Jossie and Dan were amazing and I learned so much from this workshop! Thank you Jossie, Dan, and BESLA for this opportunity!!!

    July 2023
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  • Cortez Mack

    Listen,

    It was such a GREAT HONOR and BLESSING to attend the 2022 BESLA (Black Entertainment Sports & Lawyers Association) on last night (Thursday, July 28th, 2022) . . . To be in the presence of GREAT INDUSTRY FILMMAKERS, ACTORS, DIRECTORS and, just SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE was just AMAZING!!!

    Again, being accepted in the Inaugural BESLA 2022 Actors & Writers Fellowship Master Class, taught by Jossie Harris Thacker - Just Jossie was very IMPACTFUL, and, I gained a LOT OF FILM KNOWLEDGE, in addition to, networking and connecting with such film/tv professionals: Filmmaker Christopher Nolen II, Talent Agent Michelle Hayes, Playwright/Author Tina Fakhrid-Deen, Filmmaker Dan Adams, Emmy Award Winner/Writer Sylvia J. Jones, TV/Film Actor Kris Lofton and Writer/Producer/Director, Dwayne Johnson-Cochran . . . 🎥🎥🎥

    Plus, MAD SHOUT to the selected Actors & Writers Selectees:
    - ACTORS: Arieh Alexander, Asya Meadows, Caira Coleman, Charm Tims, JohnTavia Anderson, Lacey Turner and Roosevelt Booker (ACTORS FELLOWSHIP WINNER)

    - WRITERS: Lucky Ray (WRITERS FELLOWSHIP WINNER), Trinette Clark, and, Cortez Mack

    And, SPECIAL LOVE and THANKS to my beautiful, supportive wife Jeri S. Mack, who attended this with me, . . . LOVE YOU FOR LIFE!!! ❣️❣️❣️😍😍😍

    July 2022
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  • Trinette Clark

    It was such a privilege to meet so many actors, writers, playwriters, coaches, and more! This was a great experience and I will continue to write more novels, plays, and poetry. The sky is the limit! To The Top!
    Trinette Clark, Writer

    July 2022
    Helpful