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BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER

4450 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640



Black Arts & Culture Alliance Of Chicago To Host Town Hall On Supporting Black Arts Organizations


by A.A. Cristi - January 13, 2026

The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago will host a pivotal forum discussing the future and potential strategies for Chicago's Black arts organizations. Set for January 2026, this event aims to foster collaboration and growth within the community....

Black Ensemble Theater Unveils 50th Anniversary Season


by A.A. Cristi - January 05, 2026

Black Ensemble Theater celebrates 50 years of its mission-based theater with a full season of musicals and special events. The company will continue with the Plays With A Purpose series for school groups, Black Playwrights Initiative, and more....

2025 Black Excellence Awards Nominees Revealed


by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 16, 2025

The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago has revealed the 2025 Black Excellence Awards, honoring and celebrating Chicago theatre, dance, music, film, literary, and visual artists. Learn more!...

2025 BLACK THEATRE ALLIANCE AWARDS Nominations Announced


by A.A. Cristi - October 07, 2025

The 2025 Black Theatre Alliance Awards have announced nominations celebrating excellence in Chicago’s African American theatre community. The ceremony will take place October 27, 2025, at the Beverly Arts Center and honor ILesia Duncan with the Lifetime Achievement Award....

Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago Launches New Black Arts Directory


by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 03, 2025

The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago is going strong after 28 years, with a full slate of events and programs celebrating the rich heritage of the Black arts community in Chicago. Learn more! ...

Black Ensemble Theater Will Present BLUE HEAVEN


by A.A. Cristi - August 21, 2025

Black Ensemble Theater in Chicago will present Blue Heaven, a new original musical written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, running September 6 – October 26, 2025. ...

Goodman Theatre, Paramount, and More Nominated For 2025 Equity Jeff Awards


by Stephi Wild - August 12, 2025

The Joseph Jefferson Awards will celebrate the 57th Anniversary of its Equity Theater Awards on Monday, September 29. Check out the full list of nominations here!...

Photos: THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR World Premiere at Black Ensemble Theater


by Chloe Rabinowitz - June 27, 2025

Black Ensemble Theater is presenting That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti, a musical celebration of sisterhood, soul, and legendary voices written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. See photos here!...

Black Ensemble Theater to Present 11th SOUL OF A POWERFUL WOMAN


by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2025

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and Executive Director Jackie Taylor will present the return of Soul of A Powerful Woman, now in its 11th year. Learn more about the upcoming event!...

Black Ensemble To Present THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR: GLADYS, DIONNE AND PATTI


by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2025

Black Ensemble Theater's Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor has announced That's What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne and Patti, a musical celebration of sisterhood, soul, and legendary voices written and directed by Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks.  ...

Past Shows

A Black Ensemble Holiday Spectacular 2025


A Joyful Celebration of Music, Magic & Community . Get ready to deck the halls and lift your spirits with  Black Ensemble’s Holiday Extravaganza —a ...

Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven
9/6 - 10/26/2025


A Soulful Journey of Redemption, Reflection, and the Power of the Blues . Told through electrifying performances and soul-stirring blues, Blue Heaven shines a light ...


Black Ensemble Theater presents the world premiere of an uplifting musical celebration, highlighting the lives and careers of iconic music legends Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, ...

Hitt Records
12/21 - 1/26/2025


Hitt Records is a new musical revue that explores the rich history of music through the lens of a vintage record shop owned by characters ...

Sounds So good, Makes You Wanna Holler (Old School vs. Nu Skool)


The fictional story of Sam King and his singing group, The Harmonies. The Harmonies emulated every popular group from the 1960s. The Harmonies made money, ...

The Other Cinderella
The Other Cinderella
12/28 - 2/1/2011


Jackie Taylor's The Other Cinderella is the most popular production produced by the Black Ensemble Theater. This most celebrated Black fairy tale returns to the ...

Videos


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Paramount Theatre (2/4 - 3/22) Tracker
The Dance of Death in Chicago The Dance of Death
Steppenwolf (1/29 - 3/22) Tracker
The Ultimate Cher Show Starring Annika in Chicago The Ultimate Cher Show Starring Annika
Raue Center For The Arts (2/7 - 2/7) Tracker
The 8th Dwarf in Chicago The 8th Dwarf
Ghostlight Ensemble (2/7 - 2/15)
Peter Pan in Chicago Peter Pan
Chicago Kids Company (10/24 - 2/20)
Lionel Bart's Oliver! in Chicago Lionel Bart's Oliver!
Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center (5/9 - 5/24)
Admissions in Chicago Admissions
Citadel Theatre (2/13 - 3/15)
South Pacific in Chicago South Pacific
Paramount Theatre (4/29 - 6/14)
The Phantom of the Opera in Chicago The Phantom of the Opera
Cadillac Palace Theater (12/11 - 2/1)
Lizzy & The Triggermen in Chicago Lizzy & The Triggermen
Governors State University’s Center for Performing Arts (4/28 - 4/28)
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