Jackie Taylor

HITT RECORDS World Premiere to be Presented at Black Ensemble Theater

Black Ensemble Theater will present the world premiere musical revue as part of the 2024 Season of Affirmation: Protection – Hitt Records, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. Learn more!

Black Ensemble Theater to Present Special Performances of LIVING IN THE LIGHT & More

Black Ensemble Theater will present special performances of Living in the Light, starring Bernard Lilly Jr., and an extension of the hit musical revue Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Black Arts & Culture Alliance Names New President, Black Arts Month Programs in October

The nonprofit Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago, an organization that collectively advances excellence in the work of the Black arts and culture sector, has announced Vershawn Sanders-Ward as its new board president, effective immediately. 

Black Ensemble Theater to Present The 10th Annual SOUL OF A POWERFUL WOMAN

Black Ensemble Theater will celebrate the 10th Annual Jackie Taylor's THE SOUL OF A POWERFUL WOMAN, featuring Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Toni Preckwinkle, Hedy Ratner, and other influential women. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Black Ensemble Theater to Present THE SALON Beginning Next Month

Black Ensemble Theater has announced the next production in the 2024 Season of Affirmation: Protection – The Salon, written and directed by Michelle Reneé Bester.

Black Ensemble Theater And Northeastern Illinois University Partner On OUR WORLD

Discover the exciting collaboration between BLACK ENSEMBLE and NEIU, bringing innovative theatrical experiences to the Chicago stage. Stay tuned for more details.

Andrew Lippa's WILD PARTY Will Return For Four Shows at Jaxx Theatre

Jaxx Theatricals has announced their 17 Year Anniversary Extension of Andrew Lippa's Wild Party as part of the Jaxx Theatre's Grand Re-Opening in their new home on Wednesday, March 27th through March 30th, 2024.

Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago Reveals Winners of the 23rd Annual Black Excellence Awards

The nonprofit Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago has announced the winners of its 23rd Annual Black Excellence Awards, honored Monday night in a festive celebration at Black Ensemble Theater. Learn more about the winners here!

Jackie Taylor's THE OTHER CINDERELLA to be Presented at Black Ensemble Theater

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER will conclude its 2023 season with the holiday favorite, THE OTHER CINDERELLA, written and directed by Jackie Taylor.

African American Arts Alliance Rebrands as the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago

Discover the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and showcasing Black artists. Learn about their 26-year legacy and their mission to advance excellence in the vibrant Black arts and culture sector in Chicago. Join them in celebrating Black Arts Month in October with a lineup of events and exhibitions.

Black Ensemble Extends A TASTE OF SOUL Through October 29

Black Ensemble Theater extends the hit musical revue 'A Taste of Soul' written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks. Experience the evolution of Soul music from its Gospel roots to today's pop culture sensation. Now playing through October 29, 2023.

Goodman Theatre Will Host PEARL CLEAGE FESTIVAL Beginning This Month

Chicago celebrates the depth and breadth of Atlanta’s Poet Laureate with a first-ever citywide festival, featuring the centerpiece production The Nacirema Society, directed by Lili-Anne Brown at Goodman Theatre, plus concurrent readings, workshops and special events.

African American Arts Alliance Of Chicago Names First New President In 25 Years, Presents Black Arts Month Programs In October

The nonprofit African American Arts Alliance of Chicago has announced Charlique C. Rolle as its new board president, effective immediately. Rolle is the first new president in the Alliance’s 26-year history, following the celebrated tenure of founding president Jackie Taylor. Joining Rolle as the new vice president of the Alliance is Vershawn Sanders-Ward.

Black Ensemble Theatre's FRIDAYS ON THE GREEN Return July 21

Black Ensemble Theater kicks off the return of its smash-hit summer series “Fridays on the Green” on Friday, July 21 on the Black Ensemble lawn at Clark and Sunnyside.

Black Playwrights Initiative Festival Set For Next Month

 Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor has announced the 2023 Black Playwrights Initiative (BPI) Festival, July 11-15, 2023 at Black Ensemble Theater. 

Black Ensemble Announces 2023 Season Featuring REASONS: A TRIBUTE TO EARTH, WIND AND FIRE & More

Black Ensemble Theater’s has announced their 2023 Season of Excellence: REJUVENATION. The Season will begin with a tribute to one of the most successful groups in the history of music—the recipients of 7 Grammy Awards—Earth Wind and Fire.

Black Ensemble To Produce World Premiere Of BLUE HEAVEN

Black Ensemble Theater's Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor concludes the 2022 Season of Excellence: The Season of Healing and Joy with the world premiere musical Blue Heaven, written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. 

Black Ensemble Theater to Present LEGACY GALA 2022: REJOICE, RESTORE & REJUVENATE in October

The acclaimed Black Ensemble Theater, led by Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor, will celebrate 46 years of theater excellence in Chicago with its Legacy Gala 2022: Rejoice, Restore and Rejuvenate. Black Ensemble Theater’s Legacy Gala 2022 will be held Thursday, October 20, 6pm-9pm, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center.

22nd Annual Black Excellence Awards Nominations Announced

The Board of Directors of the African American Arts Alliance, and the Black Excellence Awards Committee have announced the nominations for the 22nd Annual Black Excellence Awards. The Awards were established in 2002 to honor the outstanding works of art by African Americans in Theater, Dance, Music, Film, Literature, Visual Arts and Digital Media.

Photos & Video: First Look at MY BROTHER LANGSTON World Premiere at Black Ensemble Theater

Black Ensemble Theater’s is continueing the 2022 Season of Excellence: The Season of Healing and Joy with the world premiere of My Brother Langston, written and directed by Rueben D. Echoles, The production runs August 13-September 18, 2022. Get a first look at photos and video here!