Daryl D. Brooks Named Artistic Director Of Black Ensemble Theater
Brooks has been working with Black Ensemble for 20 years, first as a box office associate, then house manager, associate director, and producing managing director.
Black Ensemble Theater has promoted Daryl D. Brooks to Artistic Director, and revealed and the opening of a new 150-seat Studio Theater, rehearsal room and dressing room as the second phase of the Free to BE Village.
Daryl D. Brooks has been working with Black Ensemble for 20 years, first as a box office associate, then house manager, associate director, producing managing director and, now, artistic director. In his new leadership role, Daryl will help shape the future and direction of Black Ensemble Theater.
Daryl D. Brooks comments, "Working with Jackie for the past 20 years has been an honor. I look forward to working beside her, now as Artistic Director, as we lead the theater into the future, welcoming new audiences and continuing to embrace our longtime, returning patrons. I am especially excited for the new Studio Theater as we plan its fall opening and the first season of new works."
Construction is underway on the new Studio Theater, the second phase of the visionary Free to BE Village. This intimate space will nurture new work, emerging voices, innovative storytelling, and the next generation of talent. It represents a bold step forward as we continue expanding the artistic possibilities of Black Ensemble Theater.
The Studio theater, located on the 2nd floor of the Black Ensemble Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark St., redevelops approximately 5000 square feet for a 3150 square foot, 150-seat Studio theater, a rehearsal room and a dressing room area. The theater, the final project designed by late architect John Morris, will have a flexible configuration with at least eight possible stage and seating layouts, and state of the art theater lighting and sound.
The inaugural season for the Studio theater will be announced at a later date. It will offer much needed space for new and experimental work, including that of the Black Playwrights Initiative, and will include musical as well as non-musical stage productions.
The architect is Morris Architects Planners; John Morris passed away in 2025. The construction administration phase by Seek Design. The contractor is Ujamaa Construction.
About Daryl D. Brooks
A highly versatile singer, actor, director and writer, Daryl Brooks has helmed over fifty productions, including include; Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire, Men of Soul, Black Pearl: A Tribute to Josephine Baker, Women of Soul, Time Machine: A Tribute to the 80's, HITT Records (Black Ensemble Theater), Memphis!, Pump Boys and Dinettes (Porchlight Music Theatre), Million Dollar Quartet (Theatre At the Center), Akeelah and the Bee and Fast Food Chain (Adventure Stage and Northwestern Settlement) The Color Purple, Dreamgirls (Phoenix Theater Company) Assassins (Theo Ubique) Sunday In The Park With George, Pippin!, Rent, Grease (Columbia College Chicago), among others.
Daryl is a nine-time Joseph Jefferson Award nominee for Director of a Revue, won four Black Arts and Culture awards for Best Director and Best Production, and has won two Black Theatre Alliance Awards for Best Director. His musical revue You Can't Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music, premiered at Black Ensemble Theater in 2019 and earned him an African American Arts Award, Black Theater Alliance Award, and the Joseph Jefferson Award for Musical/Revue. In 2019 Daryl received the Chicago Defender's Men of Excellence Award for building diversity and equity within the Chicago theater community. He was named one of New City Stages 50 Players in Chicago in 2022, 2024 and 2026. Daryl is a proud member of the Sarah Siddons Artistic Council and a board member of Season of Concern. His most important role to date is being a father to his wonderful, Tik Tok loving daughter Maya.
50th Season
The Mainstage season will honor the 50-year legacy of Black Ensemble Theater by bringing back some of the most iconic, beloved productions in the theater’s history—stories that have lifted spirits, sparked conversation, and affirmed the richness of Black culture. The previously announced 50th Anniversary Season is:
The Jackie Wilson Story
Written and directed by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor
March 7–April 26, 2026
Opening: Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3pm
Originally premiering at Black Ensemble Theater in 2000, this outstanding production began a highly successful national tour in 2002, including a record-breaking run at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York. In 2012, The Jackie Wilson Story made history once again by opening the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center.
This award-winning production continues its remarkable legacy as it opens the 50th Anniversary Season. Experience this thrilling tribute to the most dynamic and electrifying entertainer of all time—Mr. Excitement, Jackie Wilson.
Muddy Waters: The Hoochie Coochie Man
Directed by Artistic Director Daryl D. Brooks
Written by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor and Jimmy Tillman
June 20–July 26, 2026
Opening: Sunday, June 28 at 3pm
Muddy Waters: The Hoochie Coochie Man is a soul-stirring celebration of the man who popularized the blues and carried its sound around the world. Follow McKinley “Muddy Waters” Morganfield from his humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to his groundbreaking success as the Father of Chicago Blues.
Packed with electrifying performances of his iconic hits, “Mannish Boy,” “Got My Mojo Working,” and “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man,” this exhilarating production explodes with the grit, power, and genius of a true musical revolutionary. Muddy Waters’ influence shaped rock, soul, and rhythm and blues, leaving a legacy that continues to pulse through generations of artists and audiences alike.
You Can’t Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music
Written and directed by Artistic Director Daryl D. Brooks
September 5–October 25, 2026
Opening: Sunday, September 13 at 3pm
Hop aboard the Mothership and take a groovy ride back to the era when Afros were high, bell-bottoms were tight, and the music was truly out of sight! You Can’t Fake the Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music is a high-energy, feel-good celebration of the sound that defined a generation.
From Sly and the Family Stone to Parliament-Funkadelic to Earth, Wind & Fire, this electrifying production will have you dancing in the aisles and testifying to the unstoppable power of the Funk.
Jackie Taylor’s The Other Cinderella
Written and directed by Founder & CEO Jackie Taylor
Music by Jackie Taylor and Michael Ward
December 12, 2026–January 24, 2027
Opening: Sunday, December 20, 2026
Jackie Taylor’s The Other Cinderella is a beloved Black Ensemble Theater classic that has delighted audiences for decades. This joyful African American version of the timeless fairy tale is filled with laughter, soul, and heart. In this story, Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmamma works at the post office, the Fairygodmama hails from Jamaica, and the Brothers from the Hood keep the kingdom jumpin’!
Overflowing with show-stopping songs, vibrant dancing, and unforgettable characters, The Other Cinderella is a treasured family tradition, and the perfect way to close the 50th Anniversary Season.
Performances are Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $69 (fees included). Valet parking is available for $13 (cash only).
The 5-Play Card
Black Ensemble Theatre’s 5-Play Card is a digital ticket package unlike any other. At a cost of $280 (including fees), it offers a savings of $65 over regular ticket prices. One of the greatest perks of the 5-Play Card is its flexibility—use the five tickets any way you want. You can bring five people to one show, treat yourself to five different shows, or use the 5-Play Card in any ticket number combination until all five tickets are spent.
The 5-Play Card is good for 18 months and becomes active immediately after purchasing. If you buy multiple 5-Play Card packages, a maximum of five tickets can be redeemed on a single show date.
Special events and programs throughout the season include Soul of a Powerful Woman on June 14, 2026; the Annual Gala on October 15, 2026; Fridays on the Green, a free summer concert series; and Plays With A Purpose, the ongoing series for school groups.
Videos
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Windfall Steppenwolf Theatre Company (4/09-5/31) |
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Gruesome Playground Injuries Silverstage Theatre Company (5/08-5/16) |
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The Lifespan of a Fact Parker Players Theater (4/24-5/17) |
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The Red Lion The Bramble Arts Loft (5/01-5/16) |
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The Wizard Of Oz Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse (7/08-9/05) |
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Goldilocks and the Three Bears Chicago Kids Company (4/08-8/31) |
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The Wedding Singer Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (4/29-5/24) |
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Spamalot CIBC (5/19-5/31) |
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Lou Ella Rose and Friends — The Great Filipino Songbook Epiphany Center for the Arts (5/15-5/15) |
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