Here’s the link to the discussion. We hope you will join us. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88171450098

Dear Friends of Ebony Reptertory Theatre,

You’re invited to join us on for a free Zoom discussion titled ‘Black Theatre Founders’, on Wednesday 27 May 2020 at 1p CST.

The saying, ‘necessity breeds invention’ has been the rallying cry for Black thespians for nearly 200-years, since as far back as the African Grove Theatre that opened in New York City in 1821. The absence of genuine and insightful Black experiences on main stages across the country has necessitated Black artists to establish spaces where the voices of the Black community and its past can be spotlighted and showcased on stage for public enjoyment and illumination. Founding a Black theatre is no small feat, given the inequities in funding and visibility. It takes vision, courage and resourcefulness to bring the cultural needs of the Black community to fruition. While there have been numerous founders of Black Theatres (Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theatre in Chicago; Ron Himes, St. Louis Black Rep; Lou Bellamy, Penumbra Theatre; Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, National Black Theatre; Larry Leon Hamiln, North Carolina Black Rep; Debbie and Levi Frazier, Blues City Cultural Center…the list goes on), the three Black theatre founders on this panel exemplify all of the qualities required to move an idea from concept to the stage.

Wren T. Brown (Founder /Producer of Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles, CA)

Greg Williams Jr. (Founder/Artistic Director of New Venture Theatre in Baton Rouge, LA) Nate Jacobs (Founder/Artistic Director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, FL)

These founders will discuss their uphill journey to build their respective theatres from the ground up. They will share how they developed their vision, raised funds to support that vision, built audiences to experience that vision, and then establish spaces to house that vision.

Dear Friends of Ebony Repertory Theatre,

We trust that you are all well and taking the necessary precautions, in light of this current health pandemic, to avoid any contact with the virus. The staff here at Ebony Repertory Theatre @the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center has been paying close attention to the developments surrounding COVID-19/novel coronavirus. The safety of you, our loyal audience, our staff and our community are our top priority.

We have made a difficult decision, as of this writing, to cancel all activities at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center effective immediately, and continuing until such time as the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health deems it safe to resume inviting you to the theatre.

We will reach out to those patrons who have purchased tickets for any cancelled events. However, please feel free to contact our office directly regarding any tickets you have purchased for any performances affected by this closure. You may email us at tickets@ebonyrep.org or phone the box office at 323-964-9766.

In the meantime, we urge all of you to do your personal due diligence and monitor ongoing events regarding COVID-19/novel coronavirus and how it is affecting our lives.

Following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, here are some actions you can take…

• Stay at home if you are feeling sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch areas and surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, railings, light switches, toilets, phones, keyboards, remote controls, tablets, and bedside tables.
• Practice simple social distancing strategies from those who are sick, such as verbal salutations, instead of handshakes or hugs; not sharing utensils, cups, and linens; and keeping a distance of six feet apart.

My Best,

Wren T. Brown
Producing Artistic Director