INTERNATIONAL BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL
BLACK THEATRE HOLY GROUND
SAVE THE DATE
JULY 29 – AUGUST 3, 2024
WINSTON-SALEM, NC • THE CITY OF ARTS AND INNOVATION
SEE YOU AT THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL
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All roads lead to Winston-Salem for the
2024 International Black Theatre Festival
Black Theatre Holy Ground
Join us July 29-August 3, 2024, in the City of Arts and Innovation, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where NC Black Rep takes center stage in the world of arts and entertainment as the proud producers of the International Black Theatre Festival. This historic event illuminates the powerful theatrical spirit and extraordinary talent of performers, designers, directors, producers, and technicians from across the country and abroad. During six life-impacting days, you will experience electrifying performances, riveting films, cutting edge spoken word poetry, engaging youth programming, informative workshops, insightful academic discussions, and a vendor’s market steeped in the African Diaspora. For aspiring theatre professionals seeking to advance their careers and connect with like-minded peers, IBTF offers unparalleled networking opportunities.
Drawing an audience of upwards of 65,000 theatre-lovers and having contributed more than $200 million dollars to the Winston-Salem economy since its inception, IBTF has turned Winston-Salem into a destination for theatre practitioners from across the globe, all of whom see the opportunity to perform on Black Theatre Holy Ground as both an honor and a privilege.
THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
The 18th biennial IBTF will offer a wide range of over 100 theatrical performances. You have a selection of new works and Black classics performed by national and professional Black theatre companies at multiple venues throughout Winston-Salem. Tickets range in price from $10- $60.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COLLECTIVE TOURS
AROUND THE TOWN TROLLEY TOUR
This tour will take you off the beaten path into some of the city’s most intriguing sites — art galleries, historic neighborhoods, living history museum, enslaved and Freedmen graveyards. End with a wine tasting of North Carolina wines!
GARLAND THOMPSON, SR. READERS’ THEATRE OF NEW WORKS
Over 30 original works written by renowned and aspiring playwrights are showcased. Professional actors will read for an audience of theatre professionals, scholars and the general public. Components include New Plays at High Noon and Theatre Conversations at Midnight. Coordinated by Garland Lee Thompson, Jr., executive director of the Frank Silvera Writers’ Workshop.
INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM
The International Colloquium, conceived and implemented by Dr.Olásopé O Oyèláràn, is a collaborative effort between the IBTF, Winston-Salem State University’s (WSSU) Office of International Programs, WSSU’s Program in Africana Studies and Black Theatre Network (BTN). The four-day colloquium is facilitated by international theatre professionals, art and human rights activists, cultural workers and academicians.
INTERNATIONAL VENDORS MARKET
Discover unique treasures from all cultures, afro-centric art and multi-talented global artisans. This shopper’s paradise has something for everyone, including the Authors’ Pavilion with Coffee & Conversation, live entertainment and demonstrations.
LARRY LEON HAMLIN SOLO PERFORMANCE SERIES
This specialized series, named after the Festival’s founder, presents historical biographies of known and unknown African Americans.
MIDNIGHT POETRY JAM
Starting at midnight, join us as we bring you special featured poets and celebrity guest appearances. Bring your brightest words and let them shine for the world on Black Theatre Holy Ground.
NATIONAL YOUTH TALENT SHOWCASE
Youth from across the country take center stage and showcase their extraordinary and diverse talents before a panel of celebrity judges.
IBTF FILM FEST
The IBTF Film Fest celebrates independent filmmakers of Color for their enormous contributions to the industry.
IBTF FRINGE
In its continued effort to cultivate the next generation of Black theatre professionals, the Festival highlights collegiate theatre.
OUT ON HOLY GROUND
This is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community featuring workshops, staged readings and film screenings. This event is a partnership between NC Black Rep, Out at the Movies, Project1 Voice, the Wake Forest LGBT Center and the North Start LGBTQ Center.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE NC THEATRE INDUSTRY
The North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC) is putting the spotlight on the NC artists whose extraordinary work is featured at the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival. Artists and producers are invited to hear from industry leaders, meet potential collaborators and celebrate NC’s vibrant theatre industry.
TEENTASTIC (COLLABORATIVE TEEN INITIATIVE)
TeenTastic, a collaboration with the City of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department, offers programs to entertain and educate teens from ages 13 – 17 about the arts. Activities have included a Fashion Show, a live DJ and opportunities for teens in the community to showcase their talent, and even celebrity sightings.
THERAPEUTIC POWER OF THEATRE
In light of the mental health strains placed on the world at large due to COVID-19, along with the myriad of social justice issues continually facing the African American community, the 2024 IBTF will present a new program that examines the therapeutic power of theatre as a source of healing, hope, resilience and well-being.
WORKSHOPS & SEMINARS
Enjoy free, interactive workshops every morning. Master Acting Coach Vera Katz guides you through the art of character development. Discover the dynamic strength of the African American Village Consciousness. Learn how actors 50+ continue to thrive in Hollywood. Keep your body and spirit in harmony during the Gospel Groove.
YOUTH CELEBRITY PROJECT
Youths of all ages from across the country interact with celebrities and theatre professionals. Additions to the Youth Celebrity Project will be a children’s talent show, a storytelling festival and selected productions.