Opening Night Gala
IBTF rolls out the purple carpet for the 2026 Opening Night Gala, the signature event that kicks off the festival in unforgettable style. This elegant evening brings together artists, honorees, and theatre royalty for a cultural celebration honoring the past, present, and future of Black theatre.
BLACK THEATRE'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Event Program
Monday, July 27, 2026
Salem Ballroom—Benton Convention Center
5:45 PM
Doors Open
6:00 PM
Guest Arrivals and Dinner Begins
7:00 PM
Celebrity Procession, featuring Otésha Creative Arts Ensemble Experience
7:30 PM
Awards Presentation
9:30 PM
Featured Performance of The Birthright SESSION: Late Night With Matelyn Alicia
Gala Tickets
$275
Spotlight Ticket
Tickets are $275 per guest. When purchasing your ticket, you can view the seating chart and select your preferred table. After completing your order, you will receive a confirmation email with arrival details and the assigned table number.
Please note: seating at each table is first-come, first-served. Early arrival is encouraged for the best experience.
$2,750
Ensemble Pass
Includes a reserved table for 10 guests at $2,750, offering the perfect way to gather friends, colleagues, and supporters for a shared night of celebration.
When purchasing your ticket, you can view the seating chart and select your preferred table. After completing your order, you will receive a confirmation email with arrival details and the assigned table number.
2026 Honorees
Angela Robinson
IBTF Celebrity Co-Chair
Peter Parros
IBTF Celebrity Co-Chair
Phylicia Rashad
Sidney Poitier Lifetime Achievement Award
Wren T. Brown
Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award
Angelica Chéri
August Wilson Playwright Award
Patricia McGregor
Lloyd Richards Director Award
Walter Borden
Living Legend Award
Judyann Elder
Living Legend Award
Linda Twine
Living Legend Award
Otis C. Williams
Living Legend Award
Dede Ayite
Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design
Erica Lauren Maholmes
Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design
Timothy J. Jones
Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design
Renee B. Sorrell
Outstanding Achievement in Stage Management
M Ensemble Company
Woodie King Jr. Theatre Longevity Award
Linda M. Armstrong
Special Recognition Award
Camille A. Brown
Special Recognition Award
Christina Soriano
Special Recognition Award
Elizabeth Van Dyke
Special Recognition Award
Tracie E. Morrison
Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award
Noel Desire Best
Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Award
Autumn Blair Carter
Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Award
Brandon Criswell
Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Award
Karisma Dunn
Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Award
Chadota Idda
Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Award
Chelsea Gabrielle Rose
Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Award
Rain Spiegel-Johnson
Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Award
Alphonso Walker Jr.
Tonya Pinkins IBTF Legacy Award
The 2026 International Black Theatre Festival is made possible by our valued sponsors, whose support helps bring world-class performances, cultural experiences, and community celebration to the stage.
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An electrifying week of theatrical performances, cultural events, and community programs, IBTF features mainstage productions, staged readings, workshops, panels, and more, showcasing artists and stories from around the world.
Contact
336.723.2266
info@ncblackrep.org
419 N Spruce St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101