BLACK NATIVITY and More Set for Bishop Arts Theatre Center 32nd Season
An American classic, a holiday tradition, a banned books festival, and a family-friendly world premiere headline the milestone season.
Bishop Arts Theatre Center has revealed its 32nd Theatre Season. This season brings audiences a powerful mix of voices and visions: an American classic reimagined through a historic collaboration, a beloved holiday tradition, a fearless Banned Books Festival inspired by Ijeoma Oluo's So You Want to Talk About Race, and a magical new world premiere for the entire family.
About the Plays
King Hedley II by August Wilson
Directed by Jemal McNeil
A Co-Production with Soul Rep Theatre
(October 9 – 26, 2025)
In a landmark collaboration supported by The Parrish Charitable Foundation, Bishop Arts Theatre Center and Soul Rep Theatre unite to present August Wilson's King Hedley II. Part of Wilson's legendary American Century Cycle, this gripping drama is set in 1980s Pittsburgh and follows an ex-convict fighting to rebuild his life against the crushing weight of systemic injustice.
Black Nativity
Written & Directed by Calvin J. Walker
Music Direction by Steven A. Taylor
(December 4 – 21, 2025)
A cornerstone of Dallas holiday traditions, Black Nativity returns with its stirring celebration of faith, community, and artistry. Inspired by Langston Hughes's groundbreaking 1960 Broadway production, Bishop Arts' production has become an annual family favorite. Through partnerships with local high schools—including Sunset, Molina, and Adamson—this year's production deepens the tradition by welcoming first-time actors and youth participants into the cast, ensuring Black Nativity remains a vibrant, intergenerational celebration.
So You Want to Talk About Race Banned Books Festival
Directed by Charles Jackson Jr.
Produced in collaboration with The Writer's Garret
(February 19 – March 8, 2026)
In an era of rising censorship, Bishop Arts Theatre Center reaffirms its commitment to amplifying silenced voices with its annual Banned Books Festival. Inspired by Ijeoma Oluo's acclaimed So You Want to Talk About Race, six playwrights will create original works responding to the book's urgent themes of race, identity, and justice.
The festival extends beyond the stage with talkbacks and roundtables, including a special conversation with Oluo herself. Together, with The Writer's Garret, the festival invites audiences into a deeper dialogue about the power of art, literature, and free expression.
“As censorship attempts continue, it's our responsibility to defend free speech,” says Aaron Glover, Executive Director of The Writer's Garret. “The arts remain one of the most powerful tools to connect, uplift, and challenge us. We are proud to co-present this festival with Bishop Arts Theatre Center.”
Portalgraphs
Book by Justin Cavazos
Original Music by Dustin & Justin Cavazos
Directed by Justin Cavazos
(September 10 – 20, 2026)
This magical new musical follows Beverly, a spirited grandmother, and her sassy granddaughter who stumble into a photo album that becomes a time machine! What begins as a whimsical journey through memories evolves into a moving story about love, legacy, and living in the moment. With original music, clever humor, and colorful visuals, Portalgraphs is a multi-generational family event that blends laughter, tears, and unforgettable tunes. By engaging students from BATC's Summer STEAM Camp and after-school programs, the production also welcomes local youth and first-time actors—building bridges between generations while nurturing the next wave of storytellers.
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Joshua Henry in Concert with the Plano Symphony Orchestra Meyerson Symphony Center (8/15-8/15) |
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DISNEY'S FROZEN North Texas Performing Arts Repertory Theatre (8/07-8/16) |
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Hallmarked Plaza Theatre Company (8/14-9/12) |
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Laughter on the 23rd Floor Allen Contemporary Theatre (8/14-8/30) |
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The Sound of Music Music Hall At Fair Park (9/08-9/20) |
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Holidays with the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band McDavid Studio (12/04-12/04) |
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DanceAfrica Dallas Black Dance Theatre (10/09-10/10) |
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Mariachi Herencia de México: Día de Muertos Bass Performance Hall (10/20-10/20) |
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Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Music Hall at Fair Park (11/25-11/29) |
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Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band Bass Performance Hall (11/17-11/17) |