Jackie Taylor
From Cabrini Green to an international stage — the woman whose vision built one of America's most important cultural institutions.
Small stage. Big vision.
Born and raised in Chicago’s Cabrini Green, Jackie Taylor grew up to become a director, producer, actress, educator, singer, and playwright — and in 1976, the founder of Black Ensemble Theater, with one extraordinary mission: to eradicate racism through the arts.
She has written and produced more than 100 plays and musical biographies, including The Jackie Wilson Story, The Marvin Gaye Story, Don’t Make Me Over (the Dionne Warwick story), and At Last: A Tribute to Etta James. On screen, she has appeared in Cooley High, Hoodlum, and Barbershop 2, working alongside legends like Sidney Poitier and Laurence Fishburne.
In 2010 she broke ground on the $20 million Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, which opened its doors in November 2011 — a permanent home for the company she built from nothing.
Her mission from day one: eradicate racism — one audience, one story, one song at a time.
A city — and a nation — says thank you
Chicago’s Fifth Star Award
Awarded in 2016 — the city’s highest honor for contributions to arts and culture.
Lifetime Achievement
Recognized by the League of Chicago Theatres for a lifetime of extraordinary work.
Producer of the Year
Honored by the National Black Theatre Festival.
Scholar & Educator
B.A. in Theater from Loyola University, M.Ed. from the American College of Education, and an honorary doctorate from DePaul University.
Experience her legacy live.
Every production on our stage carries Jackie Taylor’s founding vision forward.
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