This year, the theme of Black History Month at the White House is “Honoring the Past While Celebrating the Present; 7 Years of Living African American History.” As part of this celebration, First Lady Michelle Obama will highlight the contributions African American women have made to dance by hosting a day-long dance workshop for local students.

The First Lady will welcome 51 local Washington, D.C. students to the White House. These students will work with iconic leaders in dance, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Virginia Johnson, and Hip-Hop choreographer Fatima Robinson. Each of these women have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of African American women and girls in dance.

12:30pm ET – In the afternoon, the First Lady will join Judith Jamison, Debbie Allen, Virginia Johnson, and Fatima Robinson for a panel discussion. The panelists will take questions from the students in the audience on a variety of topics including self-confidence, health, hard work, and overcoming adversity.

4:15pm ET – Later In the evening, the First Lady will deliver remarks and introduce a student presentation. As a culmination of the workshops, these young dancers will tell the story of African American history and culture through dance.

Excited to be in DC for #DanceAtTheWhiteHouse with @fatima_noir & @dancetheatreofharlem’s Virginia Johnson! #BlackHistoryMonth

A photo posted by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen) on Feb 8, 2016 at 7:25am PST

#ALVINAILEY dancer Jacqueline Green leads a group of young ladies in Mr. Ailey’s signature movement from his “Revelations.” @whitehouse @jagreen711 Stay tuned for more photos from @michelleobama’s #DanceattheWhiteHouse #BlackHistoryMonth celebration! #AILEYinDC #instaAILEY #AILEYontour

A photo posted by Alvin Ailey (@alvinailey) on Feb 8, 2016 at 8:42am PST

The post First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates Black Women & Dance appeared first on Broadway Black.

During an interview with Urban Bush Babies, the young ladies showed off how insightful they are at their young age. They discussed being awarded a scholarship, what it means to work hard, and one of their idols Misty Copeland. saying “I went to meet her,” said Nia. “She was really nice. She’s humble, a good dancer, and not cocky.” “And she’s a good influence,” Imani chimed in. “She’s not like Miley Cyrus at all.”

In a time when Black youth are rising in the arts and their voices are more prevalent in the fight for justice, Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love Of All” is quite true: the children are the future. These two young ladies are proof of that, continuing to break the mold and exist in spaces that traditionally aren’t “for us.” It’s a good reminder to see when the youth do something positive and groundbreaking. It’s our responsibility to lift them up and to encourage them to never give up on their dreams. This one is for you Nia and Imani. Broadway Black always has your back.

Check the talented duo in a video below! For more, you can subscribe to their YouTube channel here!

The post 11 Year Old Twins Receive Scholarships to the American Ballet Theatre appeared first on Broadway Black.

While Joseph made history at 9 years old becoming the youngest actress ever to play “Young Nala” in Broadway’s The Lion King, School of Rock marks the Broadway debut for pre-teen powerhouses Caldwell, Mackenzie and Niederaruer.  The crew make up a quarter of the junior cast who earned a coveted role in the Broadway show with the largest children’s ensemble since Matilda.

“Taz” is an expert guitarist who, since performing on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” at 10, has paired up with some of the most notable musicians in the game.  And11 year old MacKenzie recently had “the best week of [her] life” when she sang for Michelle Obama at the White House just days after previews began for School of Rock.

Based on the hit 2003 film starring Jack Black, “School of Rock – The Musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Completely disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.”

The class of School of Rock has been having a blast since the cast was announced in September.  The kids performed on the “Today Show” in October, received a spread in the November issue of “Vanity Fair” and recently announced they will be rocking out at the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Alex Brightman leads the cast as Dewey Finn, alongside Sierra Boggess as Principal Rosalie Mullins.  Sister Act’s Alan H. Green joins the ensemble.  Directed by Laurence Connor, the musical features a score by legend Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Slater and a book by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.

Here at Broadway Black, we love to see our little ones achieving greatness! Congratulations to all of the young stars!

School of Rock is currently in previews and opens at the Winter Garden Theater on Dec. 6.  The show will also offer a daily lottery ticket drawing for a limited number of $25 front row orchestra tickets.  Visit SchoolofRockMusical

.com for more information.

The post BB Kids: Bobbi MacKenzie & More Make Broadway Debuts in School of Rock appeared first on Broadway Black.

#FunHam mash #HelplessRaincoat @SydneyLucasNYC @Lin_Manuel @funhomemusical @HamiltonMusical https://t.co/nRDxkv9Apg pic.twitter.com/yaWKQNtEay

— Oscar Williams (@OscarWWilliams) November 1, 2015

Who doesn’t enjoy seeing kids dressed up in period costumes? Lucky for you Gabriella Pizzolo, Oscar Williams, and Zell Morrow, the very talented kids in the Fun Home cast, dressed in their favorite 1700s wear, portraying Eliza, Hamilton, and King George.  

Who wore it best? …Obviously @sashahutchings, but I tried. #Halloween #Hamilton A photo posted by Darius Wright (@dariusawright) on Oct 30, 2015 at 7:13am PDT

  This really is the year of Hamilton and we’re not mad about it! Darius Wright from the cast of Matilda, dawned some curls and lipstick, and transformed effortlessly into Sasha Hutchings, currently in the ensemble of Hamilton. He did that!    

@Lin_Manuel @HamiltonMusical a #10PacesFire Happy Halloween from #MattJackson #Jeopardy pic.twitter.com/lxNddxBQd5 — Katie Scott (@KTScott) October 31, 2015

It wouldn’t be Hamilween without someone portraying Leslie Odom Jr.’s, Aaron Burr. “Jeopardy!” phenomenon and Hamilton fan, Matt Jackson, nailed it and even added his personal flair scribing the “Ten Duel Commandments” in stone.

By @violadavis: So…..the Elsa costume? Didn’t work for her. The Pirate? A no go. So she finally said,” I just want to be YOU mommy”! So… uhh….this is ME.

A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Oct 31, 2015 at 8:11pm PDT

Nothing can top the admiration that beams from a daughter that wants nothing more than to be like her mom. Genesis, the beautiful daughter of Queen Viola Davis, takes the cake for best Broadway inspired costume of 2015. Who doesn’t want to be like Tony and Emmy award-winner Viola Davis. WHO!?!   

And we are telling you… Happy Halloween! A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Oct 31, 2015 at 8:37am PDT

This one really just brings a big smile to your face. It’s so well done and spot on. Her pose & smile really syncs up well to the inspiration. We know Jennifer Hudson rocked the role and won an Oscar but this young girl deserves an award for her heart. We love it!

#AboutLastNight By @nickrburroughs: Oh you thought Halloween was over?!? Aunt Viv from Fresh Prince of Bel-air is ready to SERVE!

A video posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Nov 2, 2015 at 6:02am PST

The ones that made us laugh the most included was Nick Rashad Burroughs, who will have his 54 Below debut alongside Marisha Wallace soon. He continued the Halloween celebration at Matthew Morrison’s party in a leotard. He was Aunt Viv from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in the infamous audition episode. This one took us down!

Another good hearty chuckle came from Amber Iman, who went to her celebration as “The Bella Noches Girl”. I mean, If you can’t go to Bella Noches, where can you GO?!? This one was spot on and we are still in tears over it.

All in all, Halloween was great this year! Can’t wait to see what the Broadway Black community cooks up next year!

The post The Best of Broadway Black Halloween 2015 appeared first on Broadway Black.

All jokes aside, Dr. Seuss has been imparting wisdom since 1937 and his Grinch has been stealing Christmas since 1957. This year, however, The Grinch takes on a new life, giving way to the first African-American to take on the titular role. J. Bernard Calloway (Memphis, All The Way) joins the cast of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas! on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage at The Old Globe in San Diego, November 7 through December 26. 

San Diego welcomes Calloway back to their stages with open arms. He is known for portraying the stern and protective, yet loving big brother, “Delray Jones”, in the 2008 world premiere of Memphis at La Jolla Playhouse. Calloway continued this role, rock and rolling into the 2010 Tony Award-winning Broadway production, which ran until 2012. Spreading his gift between TV, film, and the stage, Calloway has also been seen in the 2014 Tony Award-winning production of All the Way, the Off Broadway production of The Good Negro (The Public Theatre), “Dreamgirls” (Fox Theatre), CBS’s “The Good Wife”, and his 2009 film debut in “The Taking of Pelham 123.”

For over 80 years, the Tony Award-winning Old Globe has been enriching lives through the Arts. Deservedly so, they are nationally recognized for their excellence in regional professional theatre. The Old Globe is the original producer of “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” and has continued the tradition of producing it each year since its beginning in 2007. James Vásquez will direct this year’s production. The book and lyrics are by Timothy Mason and the music is written by Mel Marvin. 

Jim Carrey forever shaped my memories as the green goblin of Whoville’s Christmas in the 2000 life action film adaption of “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas!.” As funny as he looked prancing around the screen reminiscent of an oblong stuffed turkey, The Grinch drove a key message home for 8 year old Jerrica. When 21 Days of Christmas comes around each year,  The Grinch reminds us that Christmas is not about presents or food, but it’s about community. No matter what is subtracted from you on a day to day basis, you always have your friends and your family.

Let’s applaud J. Bernard Calloway, as he not only makes his debut at The Old Globe, but breaks history and molds a new holiday memory for many to come.

Noise! Feast! Sing! And get tickets HERE!

The post A New Grinch: You’re A Mean One, Mr… Calloway appeared first on Broadway Black.

Twinkie, who cast the late Whitney Houston’s last movie, “Sparkle,” as well as the films “Notorious” and “Stomp the Yard,” also encourages Black artists to know their craft. For Ms. Byrd, this means knowing your history and where the contemporary artist stands in relation to all those who came before. Ms. Byrd’s last piece of advice is for the artist to give him- or herself a break and acknowledge at the end of the audition that a best effort was given and to say “you’re welcome,” when thanked for coming in. Most artists stay in ingratiating mode and simply say, “no, thank YOU,” but Twinkie, who is credited with launching the careers of Laz Alonso and Michael Kenneth Williams, encourages artists not to gloss over the fact that “you’re welcome” is self-affirmation of a job well-done.

Actor Anthony Mackie has spoken on the “importance of being a Black actor and the importance of theater to an actor” in an article featured in the Guardian in 2011. After a turn on Broadway in “A Behanding in Spokane,” Mr. Mackie took a hit from Black writer and New Yorker theater critic Hilton Als, who stated candidly: “The sad fact is that, in order to cross over, most black actors of Mackie’s generation must act Black before they’re allowed to act human.” Mackie’s advice is to think beyond someone else’s definition of you as an artist because, “you can’t limit yourself.”

And then of course, there’s that ‘drops mic’ moment detailed by the NY Times blog in 2012, given to us by Lady Vi, Ms. Viola Davis, on the Tavis Smiley show, when he expressed “ambivalence” over the movie, “The Help.” Ms. Davis, with the dignity and humanity she brings to every role, illustrated why she should be allowed to write roles as well as act them. She offers: “That very mindset that you have, and that a lot of African-Americans have, is absolutely destroying the Black artist,” she said. “The Black artist cannot live in a revisionist place,” she added. “The Black artist can only tell the truth about humanity, and humanity is messy. People are messy. Caucasian actors know that. We as African-American artists are more concerned with image and message and not execution.” With that, Viola tells artists to focus on craft, as only someone who has been doing so for decades can.

Finally, a rule for the artist in us all, straight out of the mouths of babes as detailed on BlackCelebKids.com from an interview with Backstage.com. Yara Shahidi (Black-ish) brings us full circle with: “Never jeopardize who you are for a role.” Artists would be wise to heed these words of the successful young artist and not trade one’s “moral compass, or anything like that, to have a role.”

The post Auditions in Black and White appeared first on Broadway Black.

With book, music and lyrics by Jo Noel-Hartley, the funny (perhaps this can be considered reality theater) production follows the personal journeys and challenges of cast members of very different backgrounds. Through determination and making great new friendships, the synopsis reads, they discover that dreams can come true.

The talent included in the nearly 80-member alternating cast of leads and understudies, includes young Broadway standout Marquise Neal – an original cast member of the Tony-winning Kinky Boots as “Young Lola” as well as a Grammy winner for the musical’s original cast album. Designated as one of the Top 5 Kids to Debut On Broadway, Neal will portray “Charlie” in Dream Street. One of several youngsters living on the fictional Dean Street, Charlie – your average 12-year-old who loves football – is encouraged by his teacher to audition for the show and discovers he’s pretty darn good.

One of the lines Neal sings from Dream Street is: “Maybe today is the day I’m not rejected.” Sure, Neal is bound to not get some role during his career but his reality is one where he is living out his dreams. He has performed in numerous shows sharing stages with the likes of Ben Vereen, André de Shields, Obba Babatunde, Tony Danza and Liz McKendry.

Having appeared in the top-rated Netflix TV series “Orange Is The New Black,” the Newark, NJ, native started singing with Newark Symphony Hall Special Ensemble – the No. 1 youth choir in the state – in 2011. The ensemble won first place in the youth category for the McDonald’s Gospel Fest.

As a youth ambassador with music-education organization Dreamality, Inc., Neal interviewed Broadway stars – including Kinky Boots stars Billy Porter, singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, legendary actor-playwright Harvey Fierstein – about pursuing dreams for its Dream Out Loud campaign. When interviewing Clifton Davis on what the phrase “dream out loud” meant to him, Neal learned that one must ‘speak what you want to do into existence; say the dream and make it become reality.’

Dream Street is also about making dreams come true for the community, especially youth. Director Laura Luc, founder of Kids of the Arts, is donating a portion of proceeds from her productions to the homeless youth charity Covenant House. She is one of many members of the Broadway community participating in Sleep Out: Broadway Edition (Aug 17), sleeping on the street for one night to raise money and awareness for Covenant House. Additionally, Dream Street tickets will be donated to Veteran Ticket Foundation. After a cast member did an Internet search for Dream Street (with a dreamstreetnyc.com address) and landed on DreamStreet Theatre Company (with a dreamstreetnyc.org address), the KOTA production teamed up the company to bring awareness to its mission to bring the joy of theatre to special needs performers.

Luc founded KOTA when she was 11. Since 2001, her organization has produced shows Off-Broadway and regionally, along with workshops and benefit productions, involving more than 450 actors, creative and staff members. KOTA urges youth to “create your world.”

The world of Marquise Neal is one that is still taking shape, but one audiences of all ages will want to experience. Soon to co-star in the upcoming web series “How To Make It Big” – about more wanna-be thespians – Neal is far from being a wanna-be and sure to be on to bigger and better dreams.

Dream Street runs for nine performances. Visit dreamstreetnyc.com for more information. Follow Marquise on Instagram: @marquiseneal_

The post Marquise Neal In Kids of the Arts’ Dream Street appeared first on Broadway Black.

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.