The National Black Theatre: Institute for Action Arts

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The National Black Theatre: Institute for Action Arts NBT's core mission remains the same today as it was at the time of its founding, to produce transfor
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NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE INC- Founded by visionary Dr. Barbara Ann Teer in 1968, the National Black Theatre (NBT) has pioneered “the healing art of black theatre as an instrument for wholeness in urban communities where entrepreneurial artists of African descent live and work." NBT’s own original productions have toured the USA, Caribbean, Central America, Africa, Asia and has performed in venues throughout New York City, such as The Apollo Theatre, Lincoln Center and the Beacon Theatre. NBT performances attract audiences of over 90,000 each year, more than any other African-‐American community based Theatre company in NYC. To date, NBT has won over 45 AUDELCO Black Theatre Excellence Awards, produced over 300 productions, and countless workshops, courses and community events.

10/09/2026

Footwork that changed the game. Energy that still hits. The Nicholas Brothers remind us that true artistry never goes out of style.

10/07/2026

Still feeling the love from our Inaugural Spring Luncheon!

Thank you to our Co-Chairs, Host Committee, and all who gathered to celebrate National Black Theatre and champion a home for Black imagination and storytelling, on our own terms. It was a pure joy to honor Robyn Coles and Whitney White, two dynamic artistic and cultural forces. Both are pioneering women leading the way in the tradition and light of our founder, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer.

Together, we're building a future that's bold, Black, and beautiful. Save the date for our Inaugural Fall Fête, our reboot of NBT's annual gala, on November 11th. Come join us.

💐: Franz James Floral
🏨:The Fifth Avenue Hotel
📽: Jaime Love, Loreto Jamlig

Thank you to everyone who joined National Black Theatre and the Studio Museum in Harlem in Harlem for UNDERSIEGE, celebr...
10/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined National Black Theatre and the Studio Museum in Harlem in Harlem for UNDERSIEGE, celebrating the voices and collective power of Black women and femme playwrights.

Curated by Lynn Nottage and Dominique Morisseau Morisseau and directed by Jasmine Brooks , this staged reading brought excerpts from a powerful collection to life. Our gratitude to every playwright, performer, collaborator and audience member who made this gathering possible.

Join us again in March for another production of UNDERSIEGE. We can’t wait to gather with you again.

CAST IS ANNOUNCED: Happening Tomorrow at 11 AM SHARP at Studio Museum of Harlem! Curated by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winn...
10/01/2026

CAST IS ANNOUNCED: Happening Tomorrow at 11 AM SHARP at Studio Museum of Harlem!

Curated by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and Tony Award-nominated playwright and MacArthur Fellow Dominique Morisseau, and directed by Jasmine Brooks, Under Siege was conceived in response to the continued silencing, displacement, and forced departure of Black women and femme leaders across American institutions.

We are so excited to see this stellar cast of women and femme-identified bodies embody an excerpt of this monumental collective work.

Shiro Kihagi
Paige Gilbert
Patrice Johnson Chevannes
Arewà Basit
Pernell Walker
Tyler Clarke
Lauren Walker
Francesca Abbey

We are fully reserved at the moment, but you can come early to possibly join the waitlist.

10/01/2026

What does it mean to truly sit with yourself?

Following a powerful performance of America, Who Hurt You?, Sarah Jones, Laverne Cox, and Suzan-Lori Parks gathered for a conversation about humor, history, hope, and the journey of understanding our own stories.

At National Black Theatre and Theatre for a New Audience, we believe the experience does not end when the performance ends. Sometimes, that is where the conversation truly begins.

Only 4 performances left and limited tickets available! Secure your spot here now! https://bit.ly/4fMSSTM

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 📣: [Part2] Today NBT launches a new series as part of the SOUL Series LAB that will help NBT deepen our...
09/30/2026

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 📣: [Part2] Today NBT launches a new series as part of the SOUL Series LAB that will help NBT deepen our investments in the creation of NEW work and Black storytelling, because there is power in giving an idea the space to grow!

This year, NBT is expanding its investment through the Keep SOUL Alive Development Series, creating even more opportunities for Black creatives to develop their ideas, build their stories, and bring new work to life.

Through readings and workshops, NBT supports 17 playwrights, directors, and theatre makers as they explore new possibilities and deepen their work. This year’s expanded cohort represents an even greater investment in the artists and ideas shaping the future of Black theatre.

Congratulations to the 2026 Keep SOUL Alive Development Series recipients:

Andrea Ambam, Chloe J. Brown, Tré Cotten, Banna Desta, Isis Elizabeth, JNK Enzo, Kambi Gathesha, Candrice Jones, Comfort Ifema Katchy, Naomi Lorain, Charlique C. Rolle, Anike Sonuga, Ryan Vincent, Kenndall Wallace, Mercedes White, Marlow Wyatt, and Anthony X.

We are proud to continue creating pathways for Black artists to imagine, experiment, and bring their stories into being.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 📣: [Part1] Today, we welcome FIVE new artists into the 2026 SOUL Series LAB cohort, which celebrates th...
09/30/2026

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 📣: [Part1] Today, we welcome FIVE new artists into the 2026 SOUL Series LAB cohort, which celebrates three different disciplines:

I am SOUL Playwrights: Abigail C. Onwunali, McKensie Scy Pascall, and Washington Kirk
SOUL Directing: Raz Golden
SOUL Producing: Pier Lamia “Mia” Porter

Through our Playwright, Directing, and Producing Residencies, these five artists will have space to experiment, develop new work, and deepen their creative practices. We are deeply excited to see what new worlds they will create when given the space, resources, and freedom to unleash their SOULs.

Rooted in the legacy of our founder, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, our SOUL Series LAB creates a creative home where Black artists can explore what is possible and bring new ideas into the world.
We are honored to welcome this new cohort and excited for the stories, ideas, and worlds they will bring forward. Please help us celebrate as we welcome them to their home away from home!

09/25/2026

When we move together, the energy shifts. A shared rhythm, a shared spirit, a community that knows how to show up for one another.

📽: IG-parktownboysofficial

What does it mean to care for one another as a people?"America, the Beautiful," created by NBT's Alternative Learning an...
09/24/2026

What does it mean to care for one another as a people?

"America, the Beautiful," created by NBT's Alternative Learning and Social Impact Department and connected with "America Who Hurt You?" by Sarah Jones, explores the many ways communities across America have transformed care into practices of survival, belonging, creativity, and resilience across America’s past 250 years. Through research, reflections, and questions, this deck invites us to consider our relationship to this country and to one another.

Swipe through for a glimpse inside, then visit the link in our bio to engage with the full Social Impact Deck.

America, Who Hurt You ends on October 4!

Address

2031-2033 National Black Theatre Way ( Fifth Avenue Btwn 125/126 St )
New York, NY
10035

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 10pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 11pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

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+12127223800

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