45th Season

45th Season

THEATER ARTS PROGRAM

HARLEM NOW // MAIN STAGE PRODUCTION:

Year-Round Programs:

Keep Soul Alive Mondays–Reading Series

Start Date: September 30, 2013

Keep Soul Alive Mondays is a new reading series that showcases the works of nineteen (19) Black Playwrights. The readings take place on the last Monday of every month and start at 7:30 pm at National Black Theatre. Each reading is free with a suggested donation of $10.

I Am Soul - Playwright Residency

In celebration of their long history of nurturing Black playwrights, National Black Theatre is launching I Am Soul - Playwright Residency program. The intent of the program is to support the necessary link between Black playwrights and historically black theaters. Selected Black playwrights will develop new plays during a nine (9) month residency. The program will provide the playwright with dramaturgical support, readings, feedback and will culminate in a workshop production of the newly developed piece.

COMMUNICATION ARTS PROGRAM

Year-Round Programs:

FERTILE GROUND - ARTIST SHOWCASE

Fertile Ground is an artist showcase that happens every 2nd Thursday of the month. Fertile Ground
is open to the public and features all original works by songwriters, spoken word artists, comedians, dancers and singers in HARLEM! Hosted by Olamide and NBT's House Band led by Bert Price. To submit for Fertile Ground material can be submitted to: berttheproducer@gmail.com

Best of Fertile Ground - 5 Year Celebration

Date: October 10, 2013

Celebratng 5 years, this special FERTILE GROUND will feature some of the best artists to come through the showcase. This celebration will be hosted by Olamide and NBT's House Band led by Bert Price.

Catalyst: Moving The Legacy Forward

Dates: August 4-7, 2014

The National Black Theatre will host a national forum for 20 leading voices in the American Theatre to focus on the longevity and sustainability of Black Theatre in America. The three days will consist of two parts: a private round table discussion amongst the 20 practitioners [Think Tank] and public live-streamed conversations [Summit]. The summit is inspired by the online discussion on Howlround.com curated by Jonathan McCrory, NBT’s Director of Theatre Arts Program. This program is partially funded by the MetLife Foundation and supported by the Theatre Communications Group.

Founder’s Day – Sixth Annual Teer Spirit Awards

Date: June 18, 2014

The Sixth Annual TEER Spirit Awards honors and recognizes individuals within the community that exemplify the attributes of three pioneers within National Black Theatre’s history: Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, NBT’s Founding Visionary, Adetunde Samuel, a charismatic producer who headed NBT’s award winning Theatre Arts Program, and Fredrica L. Teer, an institution builder who conceived and organized the foundation that made the idea of National Black Theatre a reality. Outside of these awards, National Black Theatre honors a Pioneer in the field of Black Theatre and gives Special Recognition to individuals for outstanding contributions to their community. The Teer Spirit Awards was inaugurated in 2008 after the passing of Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, the founder of the National Black Theatre. June 18th is the birth date of Dr. Barbara Ann Teer and is called Founder’s Day.

Year of Baldwin: A 90th Birthday Celebration

Date: August 2nd 2014

The iconic James Baldwin impacted millions throughout the world with his words, thoughts, and bold authentic voice not only in the literary world, but also in the world of social justice and human rights. National Black Theatre, along with the James Baldwin Family, will be celebrating the 90th Birthday of James Baldwin by look back at his life, legacy and the indelible impact he has made on American Theatre and culture.