Welcome!

Who We Are

Candela Writers is a pioneering initiative dedicated to expanding access to theater and literary arts education for book writers, lyricists, playwrights, and poets of Latin American and Caribbean heritage. Our flagship program—the Playwrights Summer Fellowship—breaks down barriers to professional training, industry networks, and creative growth for writers working in musical theater, choreopoems, and hybrid forms that bridge poetry, music, theater, and performance. Scroll down to learn more!

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Overview

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Candela was founded by poet, playwright, and college professor Darrel Alejandro Holnes to rekindle a legacy of artistic self-determination — helping the next generation of theatermakers shape their own paths, on their own terms. More than a flame, candela in Spanish evokes a spirit of magic, energy, and transformation.

In Afro-Caribbean music and poetry, candela is a force: fierce, electric, alive. “Candela gets its name from the Spanish word for candle,” says Holnes, “But really, it’s about helping fellows spark the fire they already carry — to build boldly, to carve their own way, and to become a light for others.” At its heart, Candela is a call to action: a reminder that artists don’t need permission to be powerful. The blaze begins within.

Requirements

You must identify as having heritage from Latin America and or the Caribbean
You must be a playwright or musical theater writer (books and/or lyrics)
You must be over 21

Click Below to Hear more about fellow experiences

Candela Milestones

Milestones Achieved

Alums

Faculty

Years of Programming

Languages

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Candela Faculty & Fellows

Dominique Morisseau

Broadway: AIN'T TOO PROUD, SKELETON CREW

Meet our Alumni & Staff

Meet the visionary faculty and rising stars who make up the Candela community, including celebrated Broadway playwright and musical theater writer, Dominique Morisseau.

Meet the Faculty

Meet the Fellows

Meet the Staff

Thank you to our sponsors!

Fellow Testimonials

Candela was a true milestone in my artistic journey. It not only strengthened my skills as a musical theater writer, but also connected me to a vibrant, welcoming community of artists who share a passion for Latin American and Caribbean storytelling.

Allex

Few programs invest so fully in both the artist and the human. That investment means the world to me.

Phillip

You will emerge from Candela mentally, spiritually and emotionally richer than before.

Dionne

True to its name, Candela lit a fire in me—to keep creating, and to take pride in my perspective as an immigrant, a Latino, and a theater artist.

Khristian

This program invigorated my stagnant spirit and has me feeling excited, empowered and looking forward to creating all the possibilities in my head.

Joshua

Candela reminded me that my voice is my light. It taught me each day that the only way to find my voice was to use it.

Julio

Darrel and Daphnie have created a program with artists who are as ethical as they are. It’s rare to find a space this kind, this honest, and this inspiring.

Phanesia

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Fellow Follow Up

The inaugural fellows were Peggy Robles-Alvarado, Tanya Perez, Phillip Burke, Daniela Thome, Adrian Costa, Jaymes Sanchez, Andrew Aaron Valdez, Nilsa Reyna, Diego Lanao, and Rebbekah Vega-Romero (pictured above with faculty members, Kristoffer Diaz and Ralph Sevush). The inaugural fellows went on to present work in The Sol Project’s Sol Fest and formed a collective called Diez, which won a $10,000 grant from NALAC. You can learn more about the collective at their website.