Black Theatre Day or #BlackTheatreDay (September 17) is an annual day of solidarity and service, to celebrate and support 21st century Black theatres in their ongoing efforts to build sustainable, institutional wealth.

 

In Fall 2021, The International Black Theatre Summit, biennially convened by The CRAFT Institute, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the African Grove Theatre’s opening night on September 17, 1821 by launching the inaugural #Black Theatre Day with a day of virtual events in collaboration with The Billie Holiday Theatre with some funding from The Black Seed.  As the first known professional Black theatre company in the United States—composed of Black Americans and African-Caribbeans—the company launched the career of Ira Aldridge, who claimed to be an African prince as he toured Europe; arguably the greatest Shakespearean tragedian of all times. Currently staging a production of Carlyle Brown’s The African Company Presents Richard III, which recounts the story of their immense talent and experiences with racial bias, St. Louis Black Rep is one of many participating organizations hosting a series of such events to celebrate Black Theatre Day.  

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Black Theatre Day, as an annual celebration, increases visibility of Black Theatres to encourage donations of money, time and service throughout the year.  

 

Over the past two years the Black Theatre Day campaign has been led by The International Black Theatre Summit and The CRAFT Institute. With additional support from WACO Theatre Center, Project1Voice, and Plowshares. Over the years, additional participants have included: Black Theatre Network, National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts, National Association of Black Theatre Building Owners, and more!

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Stay connected throughout the year on CreateEnsemble.com, the official sponsor for Black Theatre Day.