Howard University

Taraji Henson, Anthony Anderson, Marlon Wayans and Phylicia Rashad are just a few of the distinguished alumni from Howard University. The Department of Theatre Arts offers several major areas of concentrated study which lead to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts. Areas of concentration in Theatre Arts include the Performing Arts; Acting, Musical Theatre, and Dance; Theatre Arts Administration and Theatre Technology. Minors in Theatre Arts, Dance Arts, Theatre Arts Administration, Technical Theatre, and Playwriting are also available to non-Theatre Arts students. According to the website,

“Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts is an internationally acclaimed leader and producer of artistic merit. Each season the Department of Theatre Arts presents classical and contemporary plays in its two-theatre complex. These plays offer not only entertainment, but also a forum for ideas and discussion.”

Spelman and Morehouse College

Spelman and Morehouse Colleges share a spot on this list because Morehouse students can obtain their BA in Drama, with an optional concentration in Dance, by attending classes at Spelman. Additionally, one of the highlights for Drama students this year includes Spelman hosting a 90-minute distance learning opportunity with the Broadway Theatre League. According to the department website,

“The drama and dance curriculum is designed to offer a challenging theater arts program that encourages discovery, creativity and scholarship for those students whose special interests and talents lead them to the department of drama and dance; to impart to all majors the formal preparation necessary for advanced academic or professional study; to offer the Spelman student experiences in theater arts, giving her broad-based exposure to the various aspects of drama and dance; and to contribute to the cultural enrichment of Spelman College, the AU Center, and the community at large.”

Hampton University

In Hampton University’s School of Liberal Arts, theatre students may choose from a Bachelor of Arts degree in either Performance or Technical Theatre. According to the department’s website,

“The area of Theatre Arts exists to provide the best available preparation for those students who wish to pursue the craft of theatre. Enrollment in the Theatre Arts area is designed to give students experience and training in theatre management, production, and organization. Those students with interests and abilities in acting, directing, designing, construction, management and playwriting will find opportunities for expression and growth…In the department’s production organization, the Hampton Players and Company, students gain experience in every aspect of theatre, from box office operations to set construction. The faculty and students in the theatre program hold memberships in, and attend meetings at the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the National Association for Dramatics and Speech Arts, the Virginia Theatre Association, the American Theatre in Higher Education, and the United States Institute for Technical Theatre.”

North Carolina A&T State University

In 2015, North Carolina A&T State University ranked as the best HBCU in North Carolina for Theatre Arts according to http://hbcu-colleges.com/. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina NCAT offers prospective theatre students

“an outstanding Bachelor of Fine Arts program that is dedicated to professionally training a student in his or her chosen area of either acting or technology. Our students have won numerous regional and national awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. We have been invited to Region IV KCACTF competitions sixteen times and twice to the national festival held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. of Theatre.”

NCAT’s program is one of only two HBCUs in the United States that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Students may choose a concentration in the area of either Acting or Theatre Technology.

Florida A&M University

Since the 1930’s, theatre at Florida A&M University or FAMU has had a rich and storied legacy. A succession of passionate and committed educators has built a theatre program that currently offers two degree options, the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science for those students who concentrate in Technical Theatre or Theatre Management. Additionally, students may elect concentrations in either Performance, Design/Technical Production, or Management. According to the website, the department ascribes to

“The belief that theatre students profit most by a basic understanding of the totality of theatre before pursuing specializations … The program in theatre offers pre-professional undergraduate preparation by combining acting, directing, designing and production with literary, historical, managerial and creative study of drama.”

While this list is far from comprehensive, the HBCUs listed have a wealth of history, educational resources and dedicated support designed to ensure the success of Black students attempting to obtain degrees in Theatre.

Honorable Mentions

Fayetteville State University

Morgan State University

North Carolina Central University

The post School’s in Session: Top 5 Theatre Programs Designed For Black Students appeared first on Broadway Black.

For the last ten years, UgandaProject, has been sponsoring the education of 10 Ugandan students. Facing difficulty raising funds for the project, co-creators Griffin Matthews and Matt Gould decided to write a performance piece that would help raise money. Through the years, the musical continued to be refined and receive critical acclaim and awards, such as the 2012 and 2014 Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theater, ASCAP’s Dean Kay Award, ASCAP’s Harold Adamson Award, and a grant from Conde Nast c/o Summit Series. Eventually, the show came to the attention of Tony winner Diane Paulus, who took over direction in 2014 for its world premiere at the American Repertory Theater.

In an effort to more deeply connect with the mission, the cast of Invisible Thread will travel to Uganda this year. While there, according to their website they will be

participating in service projects, mentoring orphans, and working alongside local artists to take part in an exchange that will help to shape our performances and our lives! Our goal is to connect with the people and places that have inspired our show and to come home and share an authentic theater experience with our audiences in New York City!

The cast needs your support in raising money for housing, transportation, visas and on the ground activities. A film crew will be on hand to document the journey.

For more information about the show and to donate, click here.

The post Help the Cast of Invisible Thread Travel to Uganda appeared first on Broadway Black.

World Tenors Unleashed are:

• Matthew Hashimoto, a periodontist and singer-songwriter originally from Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Christian Guardino,  a 15 year old from Long Island, NY who was the 2014 Grand Prize Champion of “Amateur Night at The Apollo: Stars of Tomorrow.”
• Chaz’men Williams-Ali,  a tenor from St. Louis MO who studied Voice at the University of Iowa.
• Phumzile Sojola, who made his Broadway debut as Peter in the Tony award-winning production of the Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.
• Vishal Vaidya, an Indian American singer, actor, and voice teacher from the Washington, DC area.
• Ryan Shaw  of Atlanta, Georgia who played Stevie Wonder in the original Broadway cast of Motown: The Musical and recently seen on America’s Got Talent, as previously reported.

https://twitter.com/TweetsbyVish/status/623631705031749633

• Victor Ryan Robertson, an American Tenor who will reprise the role of Benny with Opera Parallele in San Francisco and at the Kennedy Center’s Washington National Opera, beginning in 2016.
• Gaston Rivero, who has worldwide recognition for his dynamic stage presence, dark timbre and wide range of flexibility. During the 2002-2003 season he joined the ensemble of Baz Luhrman’s production of Puccini’s La Boheme on Broadway.
• Aaron Lavigne (Spider-Man and Turn Off The Dark), an actor, singer and songwriter with a BFA from Northern Kentucky University.
• Brad Greer, an accomplished singer from the American South and a proud member of The Broadway Boys and Broadway Inspirational Voices.

Joseph Joubert (Conductor: The Color Purple, Motown: The Musical, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Billy Elliot) is the Musical Director and Arranger. Joubert is a highly versatile musician who was most recently Musical Director, Arranger, and Pianist for Norm Lewis’ American Songbook and the PBS “Live from Lincoln Center” special.

Marion J. Caffey , the Creator, Director and Choreographer, has the rare distinction of also having written, directed, performed and choreographed on and for the Broadway stage (Street Corner Symphony, Mayor) . He is the current producer of the iconic “Amateur Night at the Apollo.” His work has appeared on Broadway and PBS Great Performances, and at The White House and The Kennedy Center.

The concert will be produced by the iconic and trailblazing Willette Murphy Klauser, president and owner of Edgework Productions and WMK Productions. Ms. Klausner produced  “Three Mo’ Tenors” and was on the producing teams for Broadway productions of Romeo and Juliet starring Condola Rashad, The Trip to Bountiful with Tony Award-winning Cicely Tyson, The Mountain Top starring Angela Bassett and Samuel Jackson, and Kat and the Kings.

World Tenors Unleashed is a concert packed full of stardom and is sure to be a sensational show! For more information on the show and how to purchase tickets, click here.

The post World Tenors Unleashed at NYC’s Theatre at St. Jeans appeared first on Broadway Black.

In his initial audition for the judges, Shaw belted out a powerful rendering of the Beatles “Yesterday” prompting judge’s Howard Stern and Heidi Klum to emphatically send him on to the next round. Shaw, who is a native of Decatur, Georgia, has been singing since the age of 5. As the son of a Pentecostal Minister, Shaw did not begin singing pop music until he left home and began working at the now closed Motown Café in New York City. His star continued to rise as he toured with Tyler Perry’s I Know I’ve Been Changed.

After touring with the play, Shaw joined doo-wop group the Fabulous Soul Shakers. His first album, “This is Ryan Shaw”, for Columbia, earned him a 2008 Grammy nomination for “I Am Your Man.” In 2011 Shaw received another Grammy nomination for “In Between,” and in 2014 received his third for “Yesterday”. Shaw also snagged an audition with Berry Gordy and was then cast as Stevie Wonder. Shaw says of playing that iconic role “Initially it was very frightening because as an up and coming artist, I had the fear of failing him in some way. I had come to terms that I will never be Stevie and so my challenge became not how to imitate him, but rather how to embody him. It took pressure off and gave me a sense of freedom to be Stevie to each audience every night. It is a brilliant honor each and every time.”

On his second performance for “America’s Got Talent”, Shaw performed Bonnie Rait’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”. Unfortunately, the judges found his performance less than stellar and he did not advance to the quarterfinals. Fans on Twitter strongly disagreed with the judge’s ruling and voiced their support of the charismatic singer.

@thisisRyanShaw Saw your performance on #AGT & your voice is amazing! Will be keeping my eye on you…something good is coming your way!!!

— FeliciaRenee (@TheFeliciaRenee) July 25, 2015

.@thisisRyanShaw The choir was good… but man you are on a whole other level. #AGT judges got this one wrong @howiemandel @howerdstern

— Brian Jackson (@brianleejackson) July 24, 2015

@thisisRyanShaw I hope you stay encouraged. Your voice is amazing. I am downloading your albums as we speak! #shouldvewentthrough

— Chef Wyze (@WyzeWordz) July 22, 2015

Shaw took the time out to reply to many of the fans on Twitter with grace and humility.

Thanks for the love #AGT #JudgeCuts #teamryanshaw https://t.co/KTE8guUPAL

— Ryan Shaw (@thisisRyanShaw) July 23, 2015

This made me smile. I believe music should move people and that why I do it. Thanks for the love #AGT #JudgeCuts https://t.co/QkkLU5wQP8

— Ryan Shaw (@thisisRyanShaw) July 22, 2015

There is no doubt that appearing on the show further grew Shaw’s fan base and we are quite sure that we haven’t heard the last from this talented singer.

The post ‘America’s Got Talent’ Fans Say Judges Miss The Mark On Ryan Shaw appeared first on Broadway Black.

Recently, the two Tony award-winning stars completed a classic photoshoot for the upcoming production. Cicely Tyson looked absolutely stunning in a muted jewel-toned silk ensemble. James Earl Jones looked regal and stately in an olive two-button suit. The iconic laughter of Jones could be heard rumbling through the set while the cameras flashed. And while small in stature, Tyson posed with all of the presence and confidence one has come to expect from this legendary powerhouse.

When @IAmCicelyTyson gives you that "look" she ain't playing! #gingamebroadway pic.twitter.com/DCoSoTg20Q

— Gin Game on Broadway (@gingamebroadway) July 22, 2015

The Panorama Game #photoshoot pic.twitter.com/VyvB5aAq10

— Gin Game on Broadway (@gingamebroadway) July 22, 2015

Life is better when James Earl Jones laughs (feel free to listen on repeat) #laugh pic.twitter.com/YR9z6S4wXT

— Gin Game on Broadway (@gingamebroadway) July 22, 2015

The Gin Game is set in present time and chronicles Weller Martin, played by Jones, and Fonsia Dorsey, played by Tyson, meeting on the porch of their nursing home. They strike up a friendship, with Weller teaching Fonsia how to play gin rummy. As they play, they share stories about the lives they led in a younger world. But when Fonsia wins every hand, Weller becomes increasingly frustrated, until their gin games and conversations become a battleground, with each player exposing the other’s failures, disappointments and insecurities.

The Gin Game was originally written and produced in 1976. This is the third time the play has been performed on Broadway. The play won the 1978 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the two previous Broadway productions were nominated for a number of Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Revival of a Play, and Best Actress in a Play.

Tyson at age 90 and Jones at age 84 are Black Theatre royalty and will grace the stage at the John Golden Theatre. Previews will begin September 18^th with the show opening on October 13, 2015, as previously reported. Tickets can be purchased via Telecharge.

We are prepping for our #photoshoot with our stars! #broadway pic.twitter.com/szwvAMay1g

— Gin Game on Broadway (@gingamebroadway) July 22, 2015

Accessories for @IAmCicelyTyson! #photoshoot pic.twitter.com/UlXB3MruV0

— Gin Game on Broadway (@gingamebroadway) July 22, 2015

Mr. James Earl Jones is ready for the shot! pic.twitter.com/WMjnnAuNx8

— Gin Game on Broadway (@gingamebroadway) July 22, 2015

The post Cameras Flash in Anticipation of Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones in The Gin Game appeared first on Broadway Black.

When asked what she would share, Stephanie Lein Walseth, Director of Inquiry and passionate black theatre fan at Penumbra Theatre Company in St, Paul, Minnesota had this to say,

African American theatre has such a rich and vivid history that goes back as early as the 1800’s. People should understand that this is not a new art form. We have been doing this for hundreds of years and people should explore it.

Penumbra Theatre Company is currently running their Summer Institute for the next generation of artist activists, aged 13-18. Performances of the student’s original pieces will run throughout the month of August.

When speaking with Veronique LaShell MacRae, Executive Director for Act Trinity Creative Arts Services and Artistic Director for Act Trinity Performing Arts about information that should be considered essential for someone new to Black theatre, she had this to say,

Black Theatre is not merely entertainment, but a way that we share our stories and the way our voices are heard when it is normally quieted or hushed.

For a management perspective, I caught up with Keith Douglas, Chairman of RKD Talent Management and author of new self-help book, Artificial Intelligence. Keith had the following advice for talent aspiring to become a part of theatre.

Before getting involved in Black Theatre, do your research. Create something no one else has created and go from there. When you have something good, it’s undeniable. Study who is who. Be creators and not duplicators. Come to the table with something authentic and you can’t be denied. People want to become a part of theatre as followers, but sometimes talent alone isn’t enough. You must study first. Live theatre is more demanding then recording in a music studio or acting in front of a camera and you must always be on point. All of the greats, Cicely Tyson and Sidney Poitier. studied to perfect their craft.

Theatre fan and supporter, Gerald Moore summed it up beautifully on Facebook by saying,

Theatre is the height of artistic expression and we, as Black people, by way of our unrivaled flair, are perfect for this genre. In short, we got flava.

The common thread was a feeling of awe and respect for this powerful medium of artistic expression and social commentary. There are a multitude of things that could be shared with someone who is experiencing their first taste of the heady addiction that is Black theatre. I would tell anyone: don’t allow your inexperience to keep you from participating. It starts with your first show. Do a little research, purchase your ticket, and dive in. I promise it’s an experience you won’t regret!

I’d love to hear what you would share. Please drop your comments below!

The post Tell Me Something Good: What Should A Beginner Know About Black Theatre? appeared first on Broadway Black.

This year’s festival, which runs August 3^rd through August 8th, boasts celebrity co-chairs Debbie Morgan  and Darnell Williams well known as the beloved Black power couple “Angie and Jessie” on the soap opera “All My Children”. Additionally, theatre goers will have the opportunity to attend “The Monkey on My Back” (An Intimate Evening with Debbi Morgan) which details memoirs of her life and legacy. After a stirring celebrity processional replete with African drummers and dancers, attendees of the opening night gala will be treated to an awards presentation. Check out our previous article on this year’s honorees.

The headlining event of the festival this year will be “Black Stars of the Great White Way: A Chapman Roberts Concept” produced by Chapman Roberts. The concert has been described as a “soaring music and dance celebration of the glorious 100 year history of African Americans on Broadway and at Carnegie Hall. This Gala All Broadway Star Production is specifically designed to honor NBTF luminaries past and present”. The concert will include tributes to Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Louis Jordan, Eubie Blake, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong and Noble Sissle. This star studded concert will include the likes of Melba Moore, Jackee Harry, Harold Wheeler, Hattie Winston, Obba Babatunde, Maurice Hines, Alyson Williams, Norm Lewis, Andre Deshields, Larry Marshall, Peggi Blu, Longineu Parsons, Jeffresy Anderson-Gunter, Kirk Taylor, Jacob Wheeler, Dawnn Lewis and Jermaine Coles. Selections from beloved productions of Eubie, Bubbling Brown Sugar, Sunset Boulevard, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, The Wiz  and the film “Selma,” will highlight the rich history of Black Broadway Theatre.

According to the website, this year’s festival promises a multitude of “…electrifying performances, informative workshops, riveting films and insightful spoken word poetry that will open your eyes to a new perspective on our culture’s artistic endeavors. Every evening culminates with a Celebrity Reception, Midnight Readers’ Theatre and the Midnight Poetry Jam.” Festival attendees should keep their eyes out for popular productions such as “Letter from Zora: In Her Own Words” performed by OPAS (Los Angeles, CA)  , “The Eve of Jackie: A Tribute to Jackie Wilson” performed by Chess, Not Checkers, Inc. (New York, NY), , “At Last: A Tribute to Etta James” performed by Black Ensemble Theater (Chicago, IL) and “The Bluest Eye” performed by North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC)

This year’s lineup promises to be an exciting and powerful celebration of Black Theatre for both festival veterans and newcomers. Avid festival attendee and supporter Wendell Tabb, Chair of Visual and Performing arts at Hillside High School says the following about the festival “I have had the pleasure of attending the Theatre Festival since 1989. Many of my former Hillside Theatre students perform at the Festival with Theatre Companies from around the world. The National Black Theatre Festival has helped jumpstart so many professional careers and has afforded great opportunities for artist to develop and showcase their works. The vision and legacy of the late Larry Leon Hamlin continues to shine through the hearts of many. I am extremely grateful and honored to be a part of Black Theatre” in the words of Larry Leon Hamlin that’s Marvtastic!

Tickets are currently available online at ww.nbtf.org . Connect with the festival on Facebook.

View a full list of the 2015 NBTF Honorees HERE

The post 2015 National Black Theatre Festival: Promises Music, Dance, Theatre & A Celebration of Legacy appeared first on Broadway Black.