National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF), the Winston Salem Arts Festival, was established in Winston Salem (North Carolina) in 1992. It is held biannually and honors Black theatre’s rich heritage with 130 performances, film screenings, celebrity galas, and workshops celebrating African-American artists’ creativity, talent, and cultural contributions.
Larry Leon Hamlin was an award-winning theater director, producer, and playwright who died in 1989—known for founding the National Black Theatre Festival – an endeavor designed to allow Black theater companies to collaborate. Hamlin’s idea has achieved tremendous success, as theater enthusiasts from all around the country have attended the Winston Salem Black Arts Festival!
The Essence of the Winston Salem Black Arts Festival
The National Black Theater Festival celebrates Black theater through various styles, themes, and artistic expressions. Established artists and newcomers can show their talents while engaging the audience through performances ranging from musicals, plays, dance recitals, and spoken word events.
National Black Theatre Festival Provides an Involving Experience
Attending the National Black Theatre Festival provides attendees with a remarkable and immersive experience that extends far beyond watching performances alone. Industry professionals offer workshops and seminars, giving budding artists valuable new skills, networking opportunities, and insight from an insider’s point of view- into everything from acting and directing to playwriting and design.
Gala with Stars
One of the highlights of NBTF is its celebrity gala. Attracting well-known actors, directors, playwrights, and influential figures from entertainment circles alike to commemorate African-American theatre, this glamorous event honors outstanding performers while honoring them for their contributions to this field of theatre.
Youth Platform Creation
National Black Theatre Festival (Winston Salem Black Arts Festival) is committed to nurturing and inspiring young talent. One key example of this commitment is a Teen Poetry Slam to support youth development and give young poets an outlet to showcase their abilities and express themselves freely. Thus encouraging creativity, self-expression, and self-determination among upcoming artists.
Cultural Horizons: Broadening Cultural Horizons
NBTF presents films by and about Black Americans and performances and workshops, giving a fresh and enriching perspective to this Festival. Through cinematic exploration of Black Culture, new stories that were untold or important at any point before emerge. Telling Black stories with Black voices is one of the primary focal points of this Festival!
Winston Salem Black Arts Festival is in the perfect town for it!
Winston-Salem, known for its arts, innovation, and culture, hosts the National Black T eatre Festival bi-annually. It offers visitors an immersive cultural experience featuring art exhibitions, demonstrations, and delicious culinary offerings. Visitors also have an opportunity to gain insights into Winston-Salem’s rich history as they visit its museums, galleries, and vibrant local arts scene.
Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion
National Black Theatre Festival stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusion by showcasing African-American artist’s incredible talents and creativity while challenging stereotypes, breaking barriers, fostering dialogue around critical social issues, and providing marginalized voices a platform to be heard, honored, and celebrated – leading towards creating more equitable societies and societies where marginalized voices are celebrated and heard more fully.
A Star-Studded Hall of Fame
Here are a few highlights from notable Black performers honored with induction into the National Black Theatre Festival Hall of Fame:
Sidney Poitier – Renowned actor known for groundbreaking performances such as Lilies of the Field (1964, for which he received an Academy Award) as well as films such as In the Heat of the Night and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Ruby Dee – Ruby Dee was an actress and activist renowned for performing in theater, film, television, and activism. She earned multiple Emmy nominations along with Grammy and SAG lifetime achievement awards.
Ossie Davis – Reputable actor, director, writer, and civil activist who earned himself an Emmy nomination for Do the Right Thing; married Ruby Dee (Married November 5, 1989).
Louis Gossett Jr. was recognized with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for An Officer and a Gentleman, known for roles such as Roots and Iron Eagle films.
Phylicia Rashad – Best known for playing Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, she is also an award-winning Broadway actress in plays like A Raisin in the Sun where she earned a Tony award.
Debbie Allen – Debbie Allen is best known as an actor, dancer, and choreographer known for the Fame TV series and films and for directing episodes for Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Insecure TV shows.
James Earl Jones – James Earl Jones is one of cinema’s legendary actors with one of its most recognizable voices. He won multiple Tonys for stage performances before receiving an honorary AcaFestivalrd in 2011.
These Hall-of-Famers demonstrated the talent and artistry of Black performers across generations through their acting talent and influence, breaking barriers while inspiring those who followed in their footsteps.
Please check out their website for more information regarding the National Black Theater Festival (Winston Salem Black Arts Festival). They cover much ground on their mission and future plans, it is worth a read!
Additionally, suppose you are planning to attend the Festival in the future or visit the great city of Winston Salem in general. In that case, we have much content that could interest you! We cover some of the best restaurants, a listing of historic hotels, and even the best parks that the City of Arts and Innovation has to offer.