Theater that builds people
Using theater to build confidence, strengthen schools, develop artists, and bring communities together.
Plays With a Purpose
Who it’s for: K–12 students across Chicagoland, on field trips to our stage.
What it does: Original productions like The Time Machine and Bobo the Bully teach real life skills — kindness, confidence, conflict resolution — while giving teachers new tools for a more positive classroom.
How to book: Submit a field-trip inquiry and our Director of Education, Tia Jemison, will follow up with dates and details.
Book a field tripStrengthening the School Through Theater Arts
Who it’s for: Elementary and high schools, especially in Chicago’s inner-city communities.
What it does: An in-school residency that weaves drama, dance, and music into the curriculum — boosting learning, building confidence, and giving teachers classroom strategies that keep working after we leave.
How to participate: Contact Tia Jemison, Director of Education, to bring the program to your school.
Bring it to your school
Summer Job Training for Youth
Who it’s for: Teens ready to learn the business of theater — on stage and behind it.
What it does: Students explore set design and construction, lighting, costumes, and stage management, then create, produce, market, and perform their own original show on the Black Ensemble main stage — plus an on-camera film project.
How to apply: Contact Gwen Sea at gsea@blackensemble.org for applications and dates.
Ask about the next sessionBlack Playwrights Initiative
Who it’s for: Chicago’s African American playwrights, at every stage of their craft.
What it does: Founded by Jackie Taylor in 2005, BPI is a creative home offering training, resources, community, and a path to development on the Black Ensemble stage — including the annual Black Playwrights Festival.
How to apply: Send a letter of inquiry, a synopsis, and a 10-page writing sample to dbrooks@blackensemble.org.
Submit your inquiry
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