Jackie Taylor

2025 Black Excellence Awards Nominees Revealed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 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!

Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago Launches New Black Arts Directory
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 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 - Aug 22, 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 - Aug 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 - Jun 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 15, 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. 

Photos & Video: ELVIS WAS A BLACK MAN NAMED JOE at Black Ensemble Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2025

Black Ensemble Theater is presenting the World Premiere of Elvis Was a Black Man Named Joe written and directed by Jackie Taylor. See photos and video here!

ELVIS PRESLEY WAS A BLACK MAN NAMED JOE Comes to Black Ensemble Theater
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Black Ensemble Theater has announced Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. 

HITT RECORDS World Premiere to be Presented at Black Ensemble Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 11, 2024

Black Ensemble Theater will present the world premiere musical revue as part of the 2024 Season of Affirmation: Protection – Hitt Records, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater’s Producing Managing Director Daryl D. Brooks. Learn more!

Black Ensemble Theater to Present Special Performances of LIVING IN THE LIGHT & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 4, 2024

Black Ensemble Theater will present special performances of Living in the Light, starring Bernard Lilly Jr., and an extension of the hit musical revue Blue Eyed Soul Sung By Brown Eyed People. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Black Arts & Culture Alliance Names New President, Black Arts Month Programs in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2024

The nonprofit Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago, an organization that collectively advances excellence in the work of the Black arts and culture sector, has announced Vershawn Sanders-Ward as its new board president, effective immediately. 

Black Ensemble Theater to Present The 10th Annual SOUL OF A POWERFUL WOMAN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2024

Black Ensemble Theater will celebrate the 10th Annual Jackie Taylor's THE SOUL OF A POWERFUL WOMAN, featuring Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Toni Preckwinkle, Hedy Ratner, and other influential women. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Black Ensemble Theater to Present THE SALON Beginning Next Month
by Blair Ingenthron - May 20, 2024

Black Ensemble Theater has announced the next production in the 2024 Season of Affirmation: Protection – The Salon, written and directed by Michelle Reneé Bester.

Black Ensemble Theater And Northeastern Illinois University Partner On OUR WORLD
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2024

Discover the exciting collaboration between BLACK ENSEMBLE and NEIU, bringing innovative theatrical experiences to the Chicago stage. Stay tuned for more details.

Andrew Lippa's WILD PARTY Will Return For Four Shows at Jaxx Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2024

Jaxx Theatricals has announced their 17 Year Anniversary Extension of Andrew Lippa's Wild Party as part of the Jaxx Theatre's Grand Re-Opening in their new home on Wednesday, March 27th through March 30th, 2024.

Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago Reveals Winners of the 23rd Annual Black Excellence Awards
by Stephi Wild - Nov 8, 2023

The nonprofit Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago has announced the winners of its 23rd Annual Black Excellence Awards, honored Monday night in a festive celebration at Black Ensemble Theater. Learn more about the winners here!

Jackie Taylor's THE OTHER CINDERELLA to be Presented at Black Ensemble Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2023

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER will conclude its 2023 season with the holiday favorite, THE OTHER CINDERELLA, written and directed by Jackie Taylor.

African American Arts Alliance Rebrands as the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 10, 2023

Discover the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and showcasing Black artists. Learn about their 26-year legacy and their mission to advance excellence in the vibrant Black arts and culture sector in Chicago. Join them in celebrating Black Arts Month in October with a lineup of events and exhibitions.

Black Ensemble Extends A TASTE OF SOUL Through October 29
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 6, 2023

Black Ensemble Theater extends the hit musical revue 'A Taste of Soul' written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks. Experience the evolution of Soul music from its Gospel roots to today's pop culture sensation. Now playing through October 29, 2023.