what's on at the atlanta black theatre Festival...
LIVE PERFORMANCES
. The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF) is the nation's largest self-producing platform for Afro-centric theatre available under one roof! Also known as the "Festival of 40 Plays in Four Days", the ABTF was recently named among the five "top theatre festivals to visit around the world" by TopTenZilla.com.
The ABTF is more like a family reunion than an art festival. The event schedule consists of a full marathon of curated events including world-class live theatre, master classes, parties, musical performances, Black Expo vendors' market and more!
STAGED READINGS
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival's popular staged reading series features original works from the minds of some of the most prolific wordsmiths of our time! Writers have a rare opportunity to test or share original content for live stage and/or digital platforms (tv/film). Each reading gives patrons a glimpse into the development process and an opportunity to give feedback.
CREATIVECON
CALLING ALL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEURS! Are you looking for an opportunity to network and share industry trends while learning in a supportive, collaborative environment? The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival's Creative Connections (CreativeCon) is a unique platform that intimately connects aspiring arts and entertainment entrepreneurs with influential experts and award-winning professionals through workshops, master classes and panels.
AFRO-EXPO MARKET
Experience our version of "Black Friday"! Economic viability is a crucial pillar to building community. The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival's Afro-Expo Market and Art Gallery connects you with black owned businesses that offer a unique selection of visual, fine and wearable art. Start your holiday shopping early while keeping community based businesses in the "black"! Enjoy live entertainment, product demonstrations, food trucks and more! Admission is FREE with advanced registration. The ABTF Black Expo is sure to become one of your favorite things to do in Atlanta!
CELEBRITY GALA
Spend one day or all four power packed days immersed in an incredible artistic experience. Then join us for the closing gala which has become one of the hottest star studded events in Atlanta theatre. Here we celebrate with a critically acclaimed performance and tribute to celebrity legends who have paved the way for the next generation. This red carpet event is immediately followed by the reveal of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Favorite Award winners and a VIP After Glow (party)! Perfect for those looking for extraordinary things to do in Atlanta to celebrate our stories!
ART GALLERY/TALKS
Each year the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is proud to present a prominent pioneer or introduce an emerging artist. Giving life to budding collectors and enthusiasts, the ABTF Gallery Talks include tips on art investing, history, and art appreciation.
We know, there are so many things to do in Atlanta.So when searching for Afro-centric events in Atlanta, the ABTF offers the most comprehensive schedule of world-class, arts and cultural curated experiences.
Join us each day for an invigorating discussion of black art in American and across the Diaspora. Admission is FREE with registration.
where is the home of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival...
PORTER SANFORD III PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
All the magic happens under one roof at the
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival!
3181 Rainbow Drive * Decatur, GA 30034
- 42,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art theater space!
- Conveniently located off Hwy 20 & 285.
- Less than 10 miles from downtown Atlanta in historic Decatur!
- Fully accessible with free parking!
About the Venue: The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art performance venue on acres of sprawling landscape. This center has grown to become a favorite venue space for those looking for things to do in Atlanta. It was made possible through the relentless commitment to civic and public service by Porter Sanford III, the first African-American Presiding Officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners.
The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center is located right in the heart of historic Decatur, GA. The venue hosts over 500,000 visitors per year and has welcomed the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival as one of its signature events in Atlanta!
other events in 2020
MACON THE STAGE
Macon the Stage is the place to enjoy, learn, and celebrate the arts; while paying tribute to legendary artist who helped pave the way. Proceeds provide summer camp scholarships. Everything happens at the Historic Douglass Theatre in Macon, GA!
Save the Date: June 2020
COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival collaborates with universities like South Carolina State, Fort Valley State and Georgia State. We provide hands on experiences, workshops and master classes for the next generation of African-American students seeking opportunities in creative careers. Several student are pictured here after a Tools of the Trade - Master Class with award winning artist, T'Keyah Crystal Keymah.
ABTF TRAVELS
Beyond the Return: An ABTF Arts and Cultural Pilgrimage
December 4 - 14, 2020
"It took two journeys and 52 days in Ghana, working tirelessly with arts and cultural leaders to carefully curate an incredible insider experience. You don't want to miss this pilgrimage!"
~Toni Simmons Henson
SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
School Performances
September 30 & October 1, 2020 @ 10am
Common Core Standards come alive at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival! Thanks to strong pARTnerships with corporations like PNC Bank, we present curriculum centered, historically themed plays. Each play is presented with a socially responsible message to students in public, private, charter and home schools. Tickets are subsidized for students.
We love our pARTners...
and media sponsors.
