LIBERATI N THEATRE When Black Theatre WORKS - black theatre network 32nd annual conference 2018 Memphis
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black theatre network 32nd annual conference 2018 Memphis LIBERATI N THEATRE When Black Theatre WORKS
1 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
BTN32: 6
Black
Theatre
Memphis Network
History &
Mission
9
Get to Know
our Host:
Hattiloo
Theatre
10
Getting Around Town:
Local Shops, Restaurants,
Museums & Highlights
25
A guide to local museums: the National Civil
Rights Museum at the Lorrraine Hotel, the
Stax Museum of American Soul Music, & the
Withers Collection Museum Gallery
2 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
Table of Contents
3-4 Messages from the President and Vice President
BTN President John Shévin Foster and Vice President & Conference
Planner Andre Harrington offer their thoughts on BTN32.
5-7 BTN’s Mission, Purpose & History
Historical facts & details, including BTN previous conference sites
and a retelling of the BTN origin story as recalled & curated by Past
Presidents Dr. Ethyl Pitts Walker and Dr. Mikell Pinkney.
8 Hattiloo Theatre
10 Conference Schedule: Friday, July 27
13 Conference Schedule: Satuday, July 28
16 Conference Schedule: Sunday, July 29
17 Conference Schedule: Monday, July 30
19 Salute to the Ascendants
21 Judy Dearing & S. Randolph Edmonds Awards
Details & information about this year’s young scholars & design
student award winners
22-23 Presidential Pathfinder & Winona Lee Fletcher Awards
Details & information about this year’s award winners for trailblazing and
excellence in Black Theare
27 Guide to Local Museums
3 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
From the President
Greetings BTN Family!
I am so excited to convene for BTN’s 32nd Annual Conference -- Liberation
Theatre: When Black Theatre Works! It is indeed a pleasure to reunite once
again and to welcome our newest members and conference attendees.
Let me begin by extending a huge “Thank You” to the leadership and staff of
Hattiloo Theatre for opening their home, working so hard to prepare for this
conference, and making us feel welcome. We are truly appreciative.
The rich culture and history of Memphis, TN is the perfect setting for this year’s
theme, and I encourage you to immerse yourselves in every workshop,
discussion, performance, presentation, ancestral recognition, social and spiritual
event you can. And, as this is the Black Theatre Network, make sure you
introduce yourself to everyone, engage in great conversation, strategize and then
plan how you will continue the many connections you create this weekend.
Personally, I must acknowledge the organization’s board members for their
outstanding work, their ride-or-die mentality (smile) and for their unyielding
support and guidance during my terms as both Vice-President and President.
You are truly the heart and engine of BTN, and I hold you in the highest esteem.
A most sincere acknowledgement to VP Andre Harrington, along with
Ekundayo Bandele and Lawrence Blackwell of Hattiloo Theatre, for their
diligence in the planning and execution of this event.
Finally, if you are new or returning to BTN, consider how you might contribute!
I look forward to seeing and speaking with everyone, so please feel free to tap
my shoulder and say “Hey” – if I don’t see you first!
Yours in Black Theatre,
Dr. John Shévin Foster
President
4 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
From the Vice President
& Conference Planner
Greetings BTN Family,
Welcome to the 32nd Annual Black Theatre Network Conference. I
am proud and honored to be your Vice President and 2018 Conference
Planner. This year’s conference- Liberation Theatre: When Black
Theatre Works! is sparked by our current social and political state of
affairs. Theatre practices have always been a catalyst for change and
expression of creative and provocative examination.
As we move forward into the second decade of this new century, it
is imperative that we have a platform to express our concerns, examine our
interests and explore our goals. Let BTN be that platform. I encourage
you to partake in the many plenary sessions we have curated in hopes that
you will find some insight, knowledge and wisdom amongst those
presenting. I also ask that you reach out to those that you may not know…
network…get to know each other, share stories, laughs, triumphs and
defeats…. for only from trying will we know and grow. The host of our
conference, Hattiloo Theatre has graciously supported and provided for us
and we are in debt to their commitment to the longevity of black theatre
practices. Let us honor their place in the space and give them thanks!
I am often reminded when I come back to our BTN conferences
that I am with family, and these relationships are dear to me. I hope you
will also network with people who will become your family.
I trust you all will have an exciting time at this year’s conference
and I hope to meet and greet each and everyone of you. Remember….a
good ole apple pie goes a long way….if you don’t know what this
means…..then you betta ask somebody!
Thank you, and enjoy the conference.
Andre Harrington
BTN Vice President and 2018 Conference Planner
5 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
Black Theatre Network (BTN) promotes and strengthens the national Black Theatre
community by collecting, processing, and distributing information and resources for
artists, academics and lovers of Black Theatre.
BTN’s function is to expose the beauty and complexity of the inherited theatre work of our African
American ancestors and to take this work to a higher level into the 21st century and beyond. We
seek to unite those who share this rich inheritance to assure we all work TOGETHER in promoting
quality artistic and aesthetic standards and historical scholarship.
The following nine principles are the foundation of the purpose of BTN:
1. To maintain an effective network to collect and disseminate information regarding Black theatre activity throughout the Diaspora;
2. To encourage research, scholarship and publication in Black theatre arts;
3. To promote the professional growth of BTN’s membership;
4. To encourage the inclusion of Black theatre arts in all levels of education;
5. To promote excellence in the teaching of Black theatre arts and the training of Black theatre artists;
6. To encourage the production of Black plays;
7. To establish standards and monitor appropriate utilization of Black artists in all aspects of theatre including: casting in non-
traditional roles, technical, managerial and promotional assignments;
8. To provide a forum for discussion of the Black experience in the theatre and of the contributions of Blacks in the theatre; and
9. To strengthen and influence the field of theatre, especially through interaction and exchange with other theatre organizations.
BTN’s Past Presidents: Black Theatre Network
Ethel Pitts-Walker 1986-1988
Executive Board 2016-2018
Rhonnie Washington 1988-1990 President: John Shévin Foster
Addell Anderson 1990-1992 Vice President: Andre Harrington
Kathryn Ervin 1992-1994 Secretary: James Brown
Lundeana Thomas 1994-1996 Asst. Secretary: Greg Williams
Mikell Pinkney 1996-1998 Treasurer: K. Zaheerah Sultan
Lorna Littleway 1998-1999 Asst. Treasurer: Ekundayo Bandele
Eileen Morris 1999-2002 Parliamentarian: Chris Berry
Marvin Sims 2002-2003 Public Relations: Marcia Pendelton
Gregory Horton 2003-2006 Membership Chair: Daphnie Sicre
Sandra Shannon 2006-2008 Graduate Liaison: Dexter Henderson
Luther Wells 2008-2011 Undergraduate Liaison: Denise Foley
Artisia Green 2010-2012 Immediate Past President: kb saine
Michael Dinwiddie 2012-2014 Consultants: Michael Dinwiddie,
kb saine 2014-2016
Kathryn Ervin, Gregory Horton
The Origins of the Black Theatre Network
The story of the creation and development of the Black Theatre Network (BTN) can hardly be told with full accuracy by any one individual.
BTN is an organization where the labor of many has come together to form the whole, where individual contributions are too numerous to
fully recount. We stand on the shoulders of the many selfless artists & academics who have made BTN what it is today.
The seeds of BTN were planted by the African American educators
of the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA).
These educators joined the American Theatre Association (ATA) when it
became more receptive to people of color. In 1965, the Afro-Asian
PAST BTN NATIONAL
Theatre Project was founded under the ATA. Subsequently, the group CONFERENCE SITES
within the Project interested in Black Theatre formed the African Theatre
2017 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #14)
Project, which ultimately became the Black Theatre Program (BTP). It
was 1985, at the ATA meeting in Toronto, Canada, that talk of ATA’s 2016 Chicago, IL (w/ATHE)
structural problems became a concern for members of the BTP. 2015 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #13)
2014 New York, NY (Gallatin School at NYU)
In 1986, the inevitable happened: ATA folded. A group of Black 2013/ Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #12)
Theatre devotees met in New York City at the National Education 2012 / Atlanta, GA
Theatre Conference (NETC), to bemoan ATA’s demise and to excitedly 2011 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #11)
debate the future of the defunct BTP. Against the backdrop of the lobby 2010 / Los Angeles, CA
bar of the Milford Hotel, these pioneers pondered the feasibility of 2009 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #10)
creating a new Black theatre organization. This new organization would 2008/ Lake Buena Vista, FL (Disney)
rise like the Phoenix to provide a service to those facing displacement, 2007/ Greensboro, NC (NC A&T University)
while securing a haven for future artists and scholars. 2006 / Louisville, KY (University of Louisville
African American Theatre Program)
As strategy sessions moved to New York University, the group faced 2005 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #9)
its first major decision: to follow the safe path by joining forces with the
2004 / Kent, OH (Kent State University)
newly created Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE), or to
2003 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #8)
tread on what was perceived as uncharted territory and build a separate
2002 / San Francisco, CA
nationalistic organization.
2001 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #7)
During the 1986 meeting, as the hours passed and the debate 2000 / St. Louis, MO (St. Louis University)
raged on, the revolutionaries were determined to strike out on their 1999 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #6)
own, and after much fiery wrangling, the decision was made to form the 1998 / Houston, TX (Ensemble Theatre
“Black Theatre Network.” Those who brought this vision to life were: Company)
Addell Austin-Anderson, George Bass, Buddy Butler, Don Evans, 1997 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #5)
Kathryn Ervin, Winona Fletcher, Coleman Freeman, Floyd Gaffney, Errol 1996 / New York NY
Hill, Woodie King, Jr., Bill Lewis, J.W. Lewis, Vernell Lillie, Barbara 1995 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #4)
Molette, Carlton Molette, Louis Rivers, Freda Scott-Giles, Archie 1994 / Chicago, IL
Simpson, Marvin Sims, Lundeana Thomas, Barbara Votja, Rhonnie 1993 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #3)
Washington, Von Washington, Ethel Pitts-Walker, Phillip Walker, and 1992 / Detroit, MI
Allen Williams. 1991 / Winston-Salem, NC (NBTF #2)
1990 / Atlanta, GA (NBAF)
A communal position paper was drafted and adopted, officers were 1989/ New York City (ATHE) & Winston-Salem,
elected, and the Black Theatre Network came to light. The first officers NC (National Black Theatre Festival -NBTF #1)
were Ethel Pitts-Walker (President), Rhonnie Washington (Vice 1988 / Atlanta, GA (Clark-Atlanta University &
President), Addell Austin-Anderson (Secretary), William Lewis (Treasurer), National Black Arts Festival)
Von H. Washington (Newsletter Editor), Marvin Sims (Program Chair/
Conference Planner), and an Advisory Board that included Winona
Fletcher, Errol Hill, Vernell Lillie and Margaret Wilkerson.
7 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
STUDENTQUEST PROGRAMMING
StudentQuest is a series of classes, activities, and career-building sessions particularly
selected for the students attending BTN conferences. They provide the opportunity for
BTN members to invest in the future of Black Theatre through discussions, sharings, and
new skills. Student participants are encouraged to attend these sessions as well as to
participate in any of the other sessions that interest or inspire them. Likewise, these
sessions are open to all conference participants.
StudentQuest was named to reflect two major purposes: First, the program would aid
students in their quest to find well-suited graduate schools and help them make informed
career development decisions; second, it would help graduate programs in their quest to
find minority students to bring to their institutions. The concept was introduced in 1995 at
the 9th BTN Conference in Winston-Salem as the 1st National Minority Student Auditions.
The program was formally named StudentQuest and first presented with a new format in
1996 at the BTN 10th conference in New York City. It soon became a favorite among
conference goers, as BTN members were eager to share their knowledge with a new
generation. Since then, StudentQuest has become an important cornerstone of BTN
conferences and includes a variety of activities designed to include and increase student
participation.
Throughout this conference program, StudentQuest sessions are indicated by (SQ).
Please note that StudentQuest sessions are open to students of all ages, and all with a love
for learning are welcome in the (SQ) sessions.
…Need to learn what’s up about
Special Thanks to that apple pie?
Listen to founding President, Dr.
BTN’s partner Ethel Pitts-Walker, discuss the
origins of the Black Theatre
Network. Log oon to
www.blacktheatrehistory.com
& hear to her tell the tale on the
black theatre history podcast.
all BTN members receive a copy of Black Masks
Magazine as perk of membership!
8 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
Get to Know Our Host:
Hatiloo Theatre
Ekundayo Bandele, with from its 75-seat theatre to a newly- strong regional audience. Hattiloo is
support from an engaged board that constructed facility, debt free, and known for offering high-quality, free
Michael de Caetani chaired, established a $500K endowment. A programming and performances
founded Hattiloo Theatre in 2006, as second campaign in 2016 funded staged throughout the city,
a 501(c)3, non-profit organization. It the construction of a new engaging over 5,000 people each
is named in honor of Ekundayo’s Development Center. Also, in 2016, year. The evolution of its artistic
two daughters: Hatshepsut (Hatti) Hattiloo entered into a $1/year lease vision and programming, and the
Bandele, and Oluremi (Loo) with the City of Memphis and success of its business model has
Bandele. The theatre opened on converted an 8,000 square foot made Hattiloo a sought-after
September 22, 2006 in a small head-start school into the Hattiloo resource nationwide. //
store-front in the Edge District of Technical Theatre Center. In 2017,
Memphis, TN. the theatre purchased and opened
After eight years operating with HattiHouse - a residential space for the address at
a three-person staff, and staging guest artists and interns. Hattiloo Theatre:
eight productions each season, in As the only freestanding Black
37 South Cooper Street
June 2014, following a $4.3M repertory theatre in five surrounding
capital campaign, Hattiloo moved states, Hattiloo has developed a Memphis, TN 38104
9 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Conference Schedule
Thursday, July 26 - Pre-Conference
3:00 - 4:30 Registration – Earle Hyman Lobby
Facilitated by Renee Charlow, BTN Business Manager
Promotion Table/BTN Marketplace setup & networking – Earle Hyman Lobby
A space in our common meeting space will be reserved for member artists & companies to share their
marketing & promotion materials with our conference goers. Bring yourself & your materials & meet &
greet with other BTN members.
4:00 - 6:00 Executive Board Meeting – Reg E. Cathey Conference Room
7:00 - 9:00 Social Gathering - details TBA
please check in at the Registration Table for final details about our opening night meet & greet
The Hookup on Getting Around Town:
provided to us by our hosts at Hattiloo
Bosco’s (Restaurant & Brewing
Company) Applebee’s
2120 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 2114 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
901-432-2222 (901) 725-7136
Local on the Square (Gastropub) Babalu (tapas)
2126 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 2115 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 725-1845 (901) 274-0100
Second Line (Cajun-Creole cuisine) Hattie B’s Hot Chicken*
2144 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 596 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 590-2829 (901) 424-5900
*Hattie B’s is a mile away, but it is our
Bayou (New Orleans cuisine) Conference Planner’s favorite spot…
2094 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 278-8626
Memphis Pizza Café
2087 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-534310 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Friday, July 27
8:30 - 4:00 Registration – Earle Hyman Lobby
Facilitated by Renee Charlow, BTN Business Manager
9:00 - 10:30 BTC Advocacy Check In: BTC Part 1 – Novella Nelson Blackbox
Hosted by the Black Theatre Commons
Come meet with the Black Theatre Commons Steering and Advisory committees. Hear about BTC’s
2018-2019 Goals and Initiatives and learn about how you can get involved! Speakers will include Dr.
Monica W. Ndounou, Dartmouth College; Steven G. Fullwood, Archival Consultant; JaMeeka Holloway-
Burrell, Black Ops Theatre; and David D. Mitchell, Arena Players Incorporated.
StudentQuest: Student Session 1 (SQ) – Ted Shine Classroom
Presentations by BTN Executive Board Members Chris Berry, Kathryn Ervin, Gregory
Horton, & Andre Harrington
Join us as we help you network your path to success. Led by BTN’s leaders, sessions are geared and
designed to provide students with key strategies, preparation methods and interpersonal skill
development to succeed in the field. Various opportunities and hands on work will be included in each
session including: resume building, interview & audition techniques, promoting yourself & more.
10:30 -11:45 Papers:“Beyond Respectability Politics: The Evolution of Black Theatre on
Stage at Howard University” and “Creating Cross-Cultural Collaborative
Curriculums" – Novella Nelson Blackbox
Presented by Denise Hart, Howard University and Nicole Brewer, Howard University
In 2015 The Dramatist Guild released a report stating that only 3.4% of the produced plays in the US
were by women of color and 6% were by men of color, which sheds light on the necessity of HBCU’s to
lead the charge of black people being exposed to stories on stage that reflect the black experience. This
presentation will shed light on the importance of the Howard Players and the trajectory that led to their
definitive role in the advancement of the black experience on stage. Attention will also be given to the
organization’s early years, when there was an adherence to “respectability politics" and a resulting
smattering of plays written by black playwrights, and the shift in the late ’60’s, which resulted in the
Department producing more plays by black playwrights.
Workshop: Freshen up your Marketing Plan - Ted Shine Classroom
Presented by Greg Williams, New Venture Theatre
With another season around the corner, it’s time get your ducks in a row for the year ahead and
freshen up your marketing plan. While you might still have a lot to accomplish this year, a successful
marketing plan takes some time to build. This workshop will focus on social media trends, updated
content strategies and digital marketing tends.11 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Friday, July 27, cont.
11:45 - 1:00 Lunch On Your Own
1:00 - 3:00 Free Your Mind: A Master Class Pt. 1 - Olivia Cole Studio
Presented by Dr. Carlton Molette
Advocating strategies to cope with failure is not support. Do not “Brace yourself to fail.” “Plan to
succeed.” Eurocentric myths function as the “default mode” for defining and evaluating all things and
urge “others” to create from a “place” that is not theirs. Eurocentric historical narratives promote their
world view and discredit or ignore facts disseminated by “non-mainstream” people. Rituals illuminate
the nature of a culture’s presentations. To appreciate Afrocentric culture, recognize and feel the features
that distinguish African American music. These sessions are greared for teachers to learn to think new
thoughts and solve unsolved problems by honing skills to ask effective questions.
1:00 -3:00 Black Theatre History Podcast Live Recording – Ted Shine Classroom
Facilitated by kb saine, director & host, Black Theatre History Podcast
Black Theatre History Podcast host kb saine will interview Ekundayo Bandele, Founder & Chief Executive
Officer of Hattiloo Theatre about his career, the origins & history of the theatre, and his vision for
moving forward. This live podcast recording will address how Black theatre in Memphis “works,” & the
role Hattiloo plays in both the local and national theatre communities.
Paper/Presentation: Detroit 67: Audiencing in Parallax -Guillaume MainStage
Presented by Billicia Hines, Wayne State University
This paper offers an analysis of Detroit Public Theatre’s mobile production of Detroit ’67, which toured
throughout the city as part of a large-scale memorialization of the 1967 uprising. Drawing on
philosophies of time, temporality and collective shame to inform our understanding, we will explore
the dynamic oscillations between past and present, between fact and fiction, as they transpire within the
context of the actor-audience relationship in the 50th anniversary site-specific performance of Detroit ’67.
3:00 - 4:30 Race Exchange: A Community Engagement Effort - Ted Shine Classroom
Led by Rachel Dickson, Founding Artistic Director, Driven Theater Company & Licensed
Master of Social Work
This workshop will share through execution a format used to empower the community to have an open
conversation about race which leads to the creation of theatrical pieces. The format has been executed
in Houston, TX with the broader community by Driven Theater Company. People from all walks of life
come together to embrace and engage in a discussion about race. Participants will generate a race-
related “hard” question that will inform an open discussion best executed in a safe space, which will
continue with a group- selected genre used to create pieces that speak to the views represented in the
group. Participants will have an opportunity to give feedback on the process of the community sharing.12 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Friday, July 27, cont.
3:00 - 4:30 The Communities in community theatre: theatre programming in Black
and Brown communities. - Olivia Cole Studio
Panelists: Lawrence Blackwell, Hattiloo Theatre; Dorimar Ferrer, Cazateatro Bilingual
Theatre; Mark Davis, San Francisco State University; Wayne Smith, Company D
A discussion with leaders in their communities about the ways they are engaged in theatre practices,
with particular focus on programs in Black and Brown communities.
Play reading: “N” - Novella Nelson Black Box
Gary Anderson and Plowshares Theatre
Charles Gilpin, a veteran actor trained in Black Theatre, has been handed the role of his lifetime, playing
the title character in Eugene O’Neill’s new Broadway-bound play, The Emperor Jones. But the acclaim
and reward he receives comes at a price. How can he portray a man who reflects so poorly on his
people? The play dramatizes the struggle Gilpin wages with O’Neill as well as the tensions between
Gilpin and his wife, Florence.
4:45 - 6:45 Dinner On Your Own
7:00 - 8:30 Memphis Majic: documentary - Robert Guillaume Main Stage
Facilitated by Marcia Pendelton, Walk Tall Girl Productions
"Memphis Majic" is the documentary directorial debut of filmmaker Eddie Bailey, a Memphis native
and Brooklyn resident. "Memphis Majic" takes an in-depth look at the city of Memphis through the
lens of a 30-year-old Memphis-born street dance called Jookin'.
8:30 Welcome Reception - Earle Hyman Lobby
The Journal of African Diaspora
Drama, Theatre and Performance
CONTINUUM is an academic service of the Black Theatre Network, dedicated to fostering
scholarship on the past, present and future of African Diaspora performing arts.
Learn more & read recent editions at
continuumjournal.org13 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Saturday, July 28
8:00 - 4:00 Registration – Earle Hyman Lobby
Facilitated by Renee Charlow, BTN Business Manager
9:00 - 10:30 Welcome & Keynote, Dr. John Shévin Foster, BTN President & Dr. Sandra Shannon,
Past BTN President 2006-2008
BTN Business Meeting, BTN Executive Board & Membership
Robert Guillaume Main Stage
All members are strongly encouraged to attend. Agenda items will include moments of facilitation
about the conference, and introduction of incoming Executive Board Members, among other topics.
10:30 - 11:45 Papers: “Art as a Social Movement: The Conscious Theatre Project” and
“Social Movements and How They Apply to Black Theatre” – Olivia Cole Studio
Presented by Willie Holmes, Blacken Blues Theater of African-American Life and Chloe
Diaz, LaSierra University
Willie Holmes will present “THE CONSCIOUS THEATER PROJECT: DECODING THE MATRIX OF WHITE
SUPREMACY,” in which he will address how The Conscious Theater Project utilizes Shakespearean
sonnets and hip hop verse with empirical data to provoke critical thinking, empathy, and social justice.
Decoding the matrix of white supremacy begins with the baseline that we're all human. Chloe Diaz will
provide an analysis of how social movements apply to our theatrical products. In this paper, she
analyzes the relevance of James Baldwin’s Blues for Mister Charlie & Pass Over by Antoinette Nwandu.
Panel: Preserving Legacies: BTC Part 2 – Novella Nelson Blackbox
Hosted by the Black Theatre Commons; Facilitators: Steven G. Fullwood, Archival
Consultant, and David D. Mitchell, Arena Players Incorporated
BTC Archival consultant, Steven G. Fullwood, demystifies the archival process with the immediate
objectives of illuminating best practices, arming culturally-specific institutions with information about
archival processes, while fostering a comprehensive understanding of diversity in the American Theatre.
11:45 - 1:00 Lunch On Your Own
1:00 - 3:00 Free Your Mind: A Master Class Pt. 2 - Olivia Cole Studio
Presented by Dr. Carlton Molette
A continuation of the previous session, Free Your Mind will explore how rituals illuminate the
nature of a culture’s presentations, how to appreciate Afrocentric culture, recognize, and feel the
features that distinguish African American music. Participants will learn to think new thoughts and solve
unsolved problems by honing skills to ask effective questions.14 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Saturday, July 28, cont.
StudentQuest: Student Session 21 (SQ) – TBA meet in Earle Hyman Lobby
Presentations by BTN Executive Board Members Chris Berry, Kathryn Ervin, Gregory
Horton, & Andre Harrington, & special guests
BTN leaders & colleagues will help you network your path to success. These sessions are designed to
provide students with key strategies, preparation methods and interpersonal skill development to
succeed in the field. Various opportunities and hands on work will be included in each session
including: resume building, interview & audition techniques, self-promotion & more.
Panel: Writing for a Scholarly Journal – Ted Shine Classroom
Discussion with the Editors of Continuum
The editorial board of Continuum, Black theatre’s only referreed scholarly journal,
will present & discuss the process for writing for scholarly journals, and will share their
personal tips for success.
3:00 - 4:30 Performance: Straight Outta Toronto: A Deeper Look at the North American
Black Lived Experience.- Novella Nelson Black Box
Performed by Natasha Adiyana
This spoken word-infused contemporary work reveals the parallels and differences between the African
American and African Canadian experience. Straight Outta Toronto digs into the internal racism of the
North American Black experience and interactively engages with the audience with a fluidity of stances
about what it means to be Black and proud. It's bubbling, haunting, and 100% unapologetic.
4:30 - 6:00 Demonstration- Relevance to the Present: Creating Empowering New Works
about the Enslavement Period (SQ) - Olivia Cole Studio
Presented by Kristi Papailler, University of Louisville, Central High School MCA, with guests Portia White
and Joan Brannon
Learning about the enslavement of African Americans should be an empowering and resistance
building experience for students of African descent. Artist educators Portia White, Joan Brannon and
Kristi Papailler will share the facilitation process in the creation of Relevance to the Present: Discovering
Slave Narratives, Understanding Ourselves, a new performance piece with percussion, spoken word and
dance created by high school students in Louisville, KY. Participants will then be invited to dance, drum
and speak their way into a celebration of our ancestors and their impact on our present and will leave
with additional tools for devising historical performance pieces.15 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Saturday, July 28, cont.
4:30 - 6:00 Forum: Strategies for Attracting Young Black Artists into Production Areas -
Robert Guillaume Main Stage
Moderated by Kathy A. Perkins, Univ. of Illinois/UNC (Emerita). Panelists: Ron Himes
with teen Korrie Allen, St. Louis Black Repertory; Ekundayo Bandele, Hattiloo Theatre;
Nefertiti Burton, Howard University; and Greg Horton, North Carolina A&T.
Educators, professionals and students come together to discuss strategies for increasing the paucity of
Blacks working behind the scenes as designers, technicians, stage managers, production managers,
and other key positions. The panelists will focus on solutions and what has worked for their theatres or
institutions. We will also strategize about means to collectively work to increase the numbers of Black
theatre artists behind the scenes.
Panel: Funding Black Liberation Theatre: Arts, Activism, & Social Change -
Ted Shine Classroom
Facilitated by K. Zaheerah Sultan, Mind Your Business Art. Presenters: Keisha Davis -
Memphis Music, Director of Grant Making; Terri Lee Freeman - National Civil Rights
Museum, President ; Ekundayo Bandele - Hattiloo Theatre, Founder & CEO.
African American artists have a long standing history of using their talent as problem-solvers and
community-builders. But, when it comes to funding, we struggle to find enough resources to sustain
our businesses. Our panel of experts will share strategies to help you fund your projects/theatres.
AUDELCO
The Audience Development
Committee, Inc.
Celebrates
The Black Theatre Network
for consistently supporting and promoting
Black Theatre
for the past
32 YEARS16 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Sunday, July 29
**All of Sunday’s Programming will be held at the
National Civil Rights Museum,
450 Mulberry Street Memphis, TN 38103**
9:00 - 11:00 Registration/Check-In - Hooks Hyde Hall
9:30- 9:55 Salute to Ascendants - Outside the Museum, on the
grass adjacent to the front doors
Join us for our annual celebration of the legacy of our ancestors. As
we celebrate the tradition of fighting for liberation, we must
acknowledge those that came before us. This spirited
acknowledgement and circle celebration will leave you humble, grateful and spiritually fulfilled.
10:00- 11:00 S. Randolph Edmonds Young Scholars & Judy Dearing Design Awards
Presentations (SQ) - Hooks Hyde Hall
BTN continues to support and acknowledge the next generation of scholars and practitioners of black
theater. Join us as we celebrate Celeste Jennings and Nontani Weatherly and their research and
endeavors into the art and practice of black theatre. Kathryn Ervin will respond to the Young Scholars
paper, and Kathy Perkins will respond to the design. (additional details on page 20.)
11:30- 1:30 Awards Brunch - Hooks Hyde Hall
We will celebrate two of black theatre’s great leaders, and bestow the Presidential Pathfinder
Award, BTN’s new Lifetime Members, and the Winona Lee Fletcher Lifetime Award for
Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in Black Theatre during our annual brunch
celebration. Come mingle, laugh and share in joyous fellowship while honoring a few of BTN’s greats,
including Jackie Alexander, Michael Dinwiddie, John House, and Dr. Sandra Shannon.
1:30- 2:00 Break
2:00-3:30 BTN General Business Meeting - Hooks Hyde Hall
All BTN members should plan to attend this final business meeting. During “new business,” Dr.
Lundeana Thomas will preside over the Induction of the New Officers to the BTN Executive Board.
3:30-5:00 Museum Tour Opportunities
Stay at the National Civil Rights Museum for a tour of their exhibits, or take a short walk to other
museums of particular interest to BTN members. Please see pg. 26 for details.
5:00 Dinner on Your Own: enjoy a night on the town in Memphis!17 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018 #BTN32 //#BlackTheatreNetwork
Monday, July 30
8:00 - 9:30 Registration – Earle Hyman Lobby
Facilitated by Renee Charlow, BTN Business Manager
9:00-10:30 Town Hall (SQ) Membership Plenary: Artistic Directors Speak - Olivia Cole Studio
Facilitated by Dr. John Shévin Foster, President
Artistic Directors Eileen Morris (Ensemble Theatre), Jackie Alexander (NC Black Rep), Ekundayo Bandele
(Hattiloo Theatre), Gary Anderson (Plowshares Theatre Company), and Ron Himes (St. Louis Black Rep)
will discuss what it means to be making/producing theatre in our current political climate. Dr. John
Shévin Foster will lead a discussion about how they select a theatre season that speaks to the necessary
work of Liberation but also needs to appease audiences, donors, & season ticketholders.
10:30- 12:00 Roundtable: Re: Membering Revolutionary Theatre- Olivia Cole Studio
Led by Buddy Butler, Black Arts/West Repertory Theatre; Michael Dinwiddie, Satori Theatre,
The Peddy Players & others; Kathryn Ervin, Concept East, DSACE Playhouse & others
Beyond the anthologized plays and the footnoted history of the Black Revolutionary Theatre Movement
are the actual experiences of BTN members. Join us as we look back at some Black Revolutionary
Theatre and what it meant then and now.
Workshop (SQ): Art Infused Theatre: Draw your words – Ted Shine Classroom
Led by Renee Charlow, MPA, Creative Arts Therapy, Pratt Institute (ABT)
This workshop will demonstrate how visual art can be used to inform theatre and theatrical activities.
Designed for theatre and visual arts educators, visual artists, actors, and performance artists, this
workshop will begin with playback theatre exercise & processing the exercise, and then preparing
artwork that symbolizes our work. A discussion will share ways of using these activities in theatre
production and performance. Come prepared to act, draw and PLAY. Art Supplies will be provided and
all participants will leave with a completed art project to keep.
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch On Your Own
1:00-3:00 Final Performances: 45 MINUTES FROM COONTOWN: A READING and Dialogue
between black women: a discussion about Black women and vulnerability
Performed by Ben West and Korin Annete Jeffries in the Olivia Cole Studio
Writer-performer-historian Ben West offers a work-in-progress reading of his new documentary musical,
45 MINUTES FROM COONTOWN, which celebrates and traces the history of black musical theatre from
the late-1800s thru 1999, and features more than 20 songs exclusively by black songwriters. Korin
Annete Jeffries will share a thirty minute one-act that explores the relationship between Black women
and vulnerability. The piece provides a unique look into the lives of three Black women, and the double
consciousness they consistently employ.18 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
A Salute to ourAscendants
Novella Nelson
Novella Nelson was a powerful and versatile actress whose long career included prominent
roles in the hit Broadway musical Purlie in 1970 and the film Antwone Fisher more than 30
years later.
Earle Hyman
Earle Hyman, the admired stage, television and film actor, was best known for playing Bill
Cosby's sage father, Russell Huxtable, on The Cosby Show. Numerous stage credits include:
Les Blancs, Waiting for Godot, Driving Miss Daisy, Macbeth, Emperor Jones and A Raisin In The
Sun. He was also the voice of Panthro on ThunderCats.
Robert Guillaume
Robert Guillaume's stage achievements include the first all-black version of Guys and Dolls,
We honor those who have earning a Tony nomination in 1977. He became the first African-American to sing the title role
come and gone before us, for of Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. His numerous credits also include Purlie and
the paths they have created Tambourines to Glory. He was best known for the television shows Benson and Soap.
and the successes they have Olivia Cole
garnered that enable us to Olivia Cole, stage and screen actress, is best known for her Emmy Award-winning role in the
acclaimed mini-series Roots, and the TV movie The Women of Brewster Place. Her numerous
continue our work. By
stage credits included Having Our Say and You Can’t Take It With You!
naming our conference
rooms and gathering spaces Reg E. Cathey
Reg E. Cathey’s numerous stage credits included: TALK, Three Sisters, White Chocolate, Hamlet
in honor of our ascendants, and many more. He is best known for his roles on The Wire and House of Cards, for which he
we invoke their presence and received an Emmy Award.
ask them to guide us as we Ted Shine
claim and inhabit our Dr. Theotis “Ted” Shine was part of the Black Arts Movement, a teacher, director, TV
meeting spaces, our sharing screenwriter and the author of more than 100 plays. One of his largest contributions was co-
editing (with James Hatch) the landmark anthology Black Theatre USA. In 1998 he was
spaces, and our ritual spaces. honored by BTN for his work in education and playwriting.
The BTN Hospitality Suite is consistently named for the great Marvin L. Sims (1948 –
2003), who was a director, actor, educator & a founding Member of BTN. He was
simultaneously serving as BTN’s and ATHE ’s president when he transitioned. Love &
laughter are part of his legacy; please enjoy your time in this space.
CREATE~CELEBRATE~LIBERATE. Photos on the next page are: Fetch Clay Make Man, Ensemble Theatre; Seven Guitars,
Plowshares Theatre Company; Skeleton Crew, New Venture Theatre; 5 Guys Named Moe, New Venture Theatre; Fetch Clay
Make Man, Ensemble Theatre; Summer In Sanctuary, Plowshares Theatre Company; Smokey Joe’s Cafe, North Carolina A&T;
A Peculiar Patriot, National Black Theatre; Topdog/Underdog, NC Black Rep; Everybody, West Virginia Wesleyan College;
The Legend of Buster Neal, NC Black Rep; and Bootycandy, Black Artists Contemporary Cultural ExperienceCREATE. CELEBRATE. LIBERATE.
20 // Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
Judy Dearing DesignAward
Celeste Jennings, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Celeste Jennings is currently the design assistant fellow at Shakespeare Theatre
Company in Washington, DC. She is a playwright and costume designer as well as a visual
artist and poet. Celeste recently graduated from Dartmouth College, where she completed an
esteemed Senior Fellowship in theatre, studio art, and African and African American studies.
At her Alma Mater she was awarded the Sudler Prize in the arts for her work as a playwright
and costume designer on campus. Celeste is passionate about creating art that challenges
social norms and accurately represents minority characters and their stories. She considers
her work to be a form of activism and intends to make theatre that serves as more than
entertainment. Celeste aims to deconstruct barriers between performers and actors and invite
thought-provoking stories to enter reality. She approaches her creativity and work with ample
research as well as an open mind to any and all possibilities.
S. Randolph Edmonds Young Scholars
Award
Nontani Weatherly, University of Houston
Nontani Weatherly is a first-year graduate student pursuing an MA in Theatre
Studies at the University of Houston. She previously studied with Artists Striving to End
Poverty, a New York City-based nonprofit focusing on arts and activism. Her recent work
includes dramaturging University of Houston’s production of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/
Underdog, the only non-professional production to be included in the Houston Chronicle’s
list of “Best Theatre Productions in Houston in 2017.” She is currently serving as a
dramaturgy intern for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s production of David Ives’ Venus In Fur,
directed by Raelle Myrick-Hodges.
THE YOUNG SCHOLARS COMPETITION
In honor of a pioneering black theater scholar and in the interest of encouraging
research and scholarship in Black Theatre, BTN has sponsored The S. Randolph
Edmonds Young Scholars Competition since 1988.
THE JUDY DEARING DESIGN COMPETITION
The Black Theatre Network established this award in 1996 in honor of pioneering
costume designer Judy Dearing to encourage African American students focused on
elements of theatrical design.21 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
Winona Lee FletcherAward for Outstanding Achievement
and Excellence in Black Theatre
BTN recognizes exceptional contributions to Black Theatre through the Winona Lee Fletcher Awards
for Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in Black Theatre. This prestigious award was
established in 1994 and named after the leading theatre educator.
2018 Winona Lee Fletcher Award
Dr. Sandra Shannon, Scholar
Previous Winona Lee Fletcher Award Recipients
2016
Andre DeShields
Marcia Pendelton 2002
2014 James Avery (film and television performance)
Felix Cochren (scenic and costume design)
Voza Rivers (producing and audience development)
James Nederlander, Jr. (producing) Quentin Easter and Stanley Williams, Lorraine
Hansberry Theatre (producing)
2012
Pearl Cleage (playwriting) 2000
Vinie Burrows (acting & solo performance)
Lou Bellamy (producing, directing and teaching)
Thomas Pawley (scholarship and education)
2010 St Louis Black Repertory Theatre
Buddy Butler (education)
Adilah Barnes (producing/performance) 1998
James V. Hatch (research and scholarship)
2008 Ted Shine (playwriting and education)
Philip Rose (producing) Lloyd Richards (directing and education)
Sidney Poitier (acting and activism) August Wilson (playwriting)
Ruby Dee (acting and writing)
1996
Glynn Turman (acting)
Tyler Perry (producing and audience development) Ed Burbridge (scenic design)
Shirley Prendergast (lighting design)
2006 George C. Wolfe (writing, directing and producing)
Ruth E. Carter (costume design-television and film)
Paul Tazewell (costume design-Broadway) 1994
Myrna Colley-Lee (costume design-regional theatre) Dr. Barbara Ann Teer (institution building)
Abena Joan Brown (producing)
Kathy Perkins (lighting design and scholarship)
Carlyle Brown (playwriting) Vinnette Carroll (directing)
Vivian Evans Robinson (audience development)
2004 ntozake shange (writing for the theatre)
Hattie Winston (acting and performance) Dr. Margaret Wilkerson (scholarship)
Harold Wheeler (musical composition, arranging
and conducting)
Sandra Reeves Phillips (acting and singing)22 // Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
Presidential PathfinderAward
The BTN Presidential Pathfinder Award is presented to an artist or an institution that illuminates a
path to innovations and new concepts in Black Theatre.
2018 Presidential Pathfinder Award
Jackie Alexander, North Carolina Black Repertory Theatre
PREVIOUS PRESIDENTIAL PATHFINDER AWARD WINNERS
2016- Dominique Morriseau
2014 - S. Epatha Merkerson
2012 - Tarell Alvin McCraney
2010 - Daniel Banks & Adam McKinney, DNAWorks
2006 - Darrell Willis of the Dunbar Repertory Company
2004 - Karamu House and Ralph and Bonnie Greene with the Unity Theatre Ensemble
2002 - Elizabeth Van Dyke and Will Power
2000 - Keith Antar Mason
1998 - Rhodessa Jones and Idris Ackamoor of Cultural Odyssey
1996 - Suzan-Lori Parks
Lifetime MembershipAwardees
Lifetime Membership is a distinguished honor of the Black Theatre Network, bestowed by the Executive
Board. This honor recognizes an individual who has provided long and recognizable services to the
organization.
2018 Lifetime membership award winners
Michael Dinwiddie
John House
PREVIOUS lifetime membership AWARD WINNERS
2016 Gregory Horton 2004 Floyd Gaffney (dec.)
Hely Perez 2002 Sydney Best
2014 Dr. Freda Scott Giles Barbara Vojta
2012 Lundeana Thomas 2000 Lucy M. Walker
Barbara and Carlton Molette J. W. Lewis
2010 Kathryn Ervin 1998 Margaret Wilkerson
Phillip Walker 1996 Woodie King, Jr.
2008 Judith Stephens Lorenz 1994 Vernell Lillie
2006 Lawrence and Regina Barclay 1992 Ethel Pitts-Walker23 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
Winona Lee Fletcher Honoree
Dr. Sandra Shannon, scholar
Dr. Sandra G. Shannon is a former Professor of African American Literature in the
Department of English at Howard University and is currently listed as a Fulbright
Specialist in American Studies and African American Studies. She is Founder and
President of the nationally recognized August Wilson Society, which was
established within HU’s College of Arts and Sciences in spring 2006 to honor the
playwright. Since
Widely acknowledged as a leading scholar in the field of African American drama,
Dr. Shannon is also recognized nationally as the leading authority on August
Wilson. She is the author of two book-length studies: The Dramatic Vision of
August Wilson and August Wilson’s Fences: A Reference Guide.
Dr. Shannon served terms as Editor of Theatre Topics journal and as President of
the Black Theatre Network. She currently serves as Editor of the College
Language Association Journal and founding board member of BTN’s Continuum:
The Journal of African Diaspora Drama, Theatre, and Performance. Dr. Shannon
served as a key consultant and one of several scholars featured in the 2015 PBS-
American Masters documentary August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand. In
April 2018, she was inducted in the College of Fellows of the American Theatre as
a “distinguished achiever in professional and educational theatre.”
Presidential Pathfindeer Honoree
Jackie Alexander, North Carolina Black Repertory Theatre
A native of New Orleans, Jackie Alexander is an awardwinning actor,
writer, producer, director, former Artistic Director of The Billie Holiday Theatre, and
current Artistic Director of The North Carolina Black Repertory Company,
producers of The National Black Theatre Festival. He has been nominated for
seventeen AUDELCO awards for excellence in Black Theatre; taking home the
top prize nine times.
Stage directing credits include the World Premieres of his critically
acclaimed plays Brothers from the Bottom, The High Priestess of Dark Alley, The
Legend of Buster Neal, The Right Reverend Dupree in Exile, The Desire, and
Birthright. Additional directing credits include the New Orleans premiere of Jelly’s
Last Jam (Five Big Easy Awards including Best Musical), as well as Lemon
Meringue Façade, Losing The Light, The Waiting Room, The Resurrection of
Alice, and world premieres of Finding Home, Fati’s Last Dance, Maid’s Door
(Seven AUDELCO awards including Best Drama), Plenty of Time, The Sting of
White Roses, Storm Stories, and Matisse’s Self Portrait, among others.Become an INDIVIDUAL MEMBER
of Theatre Communications Group,
the national organization for the American
theatre, and receive a FREE subscription
to AMERICAN THEATRE magazine.
Receive ten issues a year—including five
complete playscripts—PLUS unlimited access
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We invite you to join us Stephen Sondheim, and August Wilson.
today and receive all of Discounts on theatre tickets across the country.
TCG’s MEMBER Individual Member Wire, a bimonthly email newsletter.
FREE Membership with the Performing Arts Alliance.
BENEFITS! And more.
Join online at www.tcg.org25 // Black Theatre Network // Memphis 2018
A Guide to Local Museums
The Civil Rights Museum, Memphis TN
450 Mulberry Street
Memphis, TN 38103
Sunday hours 9am – 6pm
(901) 521-9699
The museum offers 260 artifacts, more than 40 new films, oral histories, interactive
media and external listening posts that guide visitors through five centuries of history — from
the beginning of the resistance during slavery, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, the rise
of Jim Crow, and the seminal events of the late 20th century that inspired people around the
world to stand up for equality.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music
926 E. McLemore Ave
Memphis, TN 38106
Sunday hours 10-5pm
(901) 507-1463
Located on the original site of the Stax Records studio in Memphis, Tenn., the Stax
Museum pays special tribute to the artists who recorded there, as well as other American soul
legends, with a rare and amazing collection of more than 2,000 artifacts, interactive exhibits,
films and galleries.
The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery
333 Beale Street
Memphis, TN
Sunday Hours 2pm-9pm
(901) 523-2344
Ernest Withers’ last working studio and building houses a collection of over a million
images in the archives. The images on display range from key Civil Rights Movement events to
legendary blue and jazz performers. Remarkable images of Dr. King, B.B. King and Aretha
Franklin can all be seen here. If you love music, history and Memphis, a visit to the Withers
Collections is a must!USITT19
SAVE
THE
DATE
THE
COMPLETE
THEATRE & LIVE
ENTERTAINMENT
PRODUCTION
EVENT
300+ EXHIBITORS
200+ EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
ADVANCED TRAINING
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
AND MUCH MORE
LOUISVILLE
MARCH 20-23
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