THEATRE *
EDUCATION * PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Incorporated 1996
The Providence Black Repertory Company (Black Rep) fosters a creative environment that celebrates the artistic
contributions of black artists throughout American history.
It recognizes the richness of this experience,
its capacity to draw diverse individuals together for a common
purpose, and its power to share universal stories across communities
- regardless of race or ethnicity, or background.
Artists who look to the organization to provide
them with creative opportunities come from many different places
of cultural origin. Almost 86% are locally or regionally based
in Rhode Island and Southeastern New England, 11% are based in
New York, and 3% are based in other states, or internationally.
The Company has also attracted artists from as far as Nigeria,
and Trinidad & Tobago. Of the local artists, a diverse mix
of cultural and/or ethnic heritages include African-American,
Haitian, Cape Verdean, Hispanic/Latino, Caribbean, Native American,
Caucasian/White, Mixed Heritage, Filipinos, and Southern Blacks.
Its diversity of people is coupled by the Company’s
diverse program offerings. Focusing in three key areas: Theatre,
Education, and Public
Programs, differentiates it from mainstream repertory company
activities that focus largely on theatre. As the Black Rep builds
its theatrical bio, producing a full season of plays is accompanied
by education workshops and student matinees that blend school
curriculum, study guides, and after-show discussions with youth
participants and their instructors.
The “theater” experience at the
Black Rep is richer and more comprehensive. It takes into consideration
the diverse interests of its constituents, artists, and future
audience members. Emphasis on educational outreach is a vital
component of the overall mission to produce work. In 2004, the
Black Rep is also integrating the public program component of
the theatre season with humanities panels, discussions, and events
that pertain to themes relevant to main stage productions. All
of these programs come at no-cost to youth participants, and rely
on the subsidization of programs through corporate and foundation
support.
The Black Rep’s ability to have a profound
impact on the national and regional stage cannot be overstated.
Just 180 miles from mid-town Manhattan, the Black
Rep's new cultural and educational center will provide year-round
access to a professional venue dedicated to the creation and presentation
of African American Art. Mainstream cultural institutions choose
to produce work that offers few opportunities for Black, or other
minority artists. It can be difficult for these artists to start
or further their creative careers. Providence can be the City
where aspiring artists from diverse backgrounds perform for enthusiastic
audiences, and where local talent from underserved communities
can build their careers. In turn, the Black Rep is the venue where
members of these underserved communities have come to gather over
the years.
The Black Rep has attracted the attention of
distinguished artists {many of whom have performed on the Black
Rep stage} such as; Melba Moore, Ahmad Jamal, Roy Ayers, Amiri
Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Roger Guenveur Smith,
Savion Glover, and most recently, B.B. King - to name a
few. One of the Company’s homespun pieces, “A Tribute
To Langston Hughes” was invited to perform at the 2003 National
Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and was
selected in the 2002 Fleet Arts Showcase at the Providence Performing
Arts Center. Among other distinguished accolades: 2004 Arts &
Business Council of RI Jabez Gorham Award for Most Outstanding
Arts Organization, 2003 New England Theatre Conference Regional
Award for Outstanding Achievement in American Theatre, and the
2003 Citizens Bank Community Champion Award (in Education).
