home of the atlanta black theatre festival!
PORTER SANFORD III PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
All the magic happens under one roof!
October 2 - 5, 2019
3181 Rainbow Drive * Decatur, GA 30034
- 42,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art theatre space!
- Conveniently located off Hwy 20 & 285. Just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta in historic Decatur!
- Fully accessible with free parking!
Photo Gallery
Fall Festival programs
LIVE PERFORMANCES
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is the home of the nation's largest selection of world-class, Afro-centric theatre under one roof! Whether you're a fan of urban (Tyler Perry) or traditional (August Wilson) theatre, this curated selection of main stage and black box performances will envelop you with a marathon of heartwarming stories until it feels more like a family reunion than an arts festival.
STAGED READINGS OF NEW WORK
Our 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. Each reading gives patrons a rare glimpse into the development process. Staged readings are followed with an audience "talk back"!
CREATIVECON: MASTER CLASSES
CALLING ALL ARTISTS! It takes more than talent to make it in this industry. Are you looking for an opportunity to network, share industry trends, tips and tricks in a supportive, collaborative environment? Creative Connections for Artists is a just that. A unique platform that intimately connects aspiring artists with influential entertainment experts, professors, and award-winning professionals.
VENDORS' MARKET & ART GALLERY
Experience our version of "Black Friday"! Economic viability is a crucial pillar to building community. Our International Vendors' Market and Art Gallery connects you with proprietors that offer a unique selection of visual, fine and wearable art. Start your holiday shopping early while keeping community based businesses in the "black"! This event is free and open to the public. Gallery talks require registration (due to limited space).
CELEBRITY GALA AWARDS
Spend one or all four power packed days immersed in an incredible artistic experience. This star studded event closes with a Gala that includes 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 Festival Favorite Award winners and a VIP After Glow! Perfect for those looking for extraordinary things to do in Atlanta!
ACOUSTIC ACCENTS
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is proudly expanding this platform to provide LIVE musical entertainment every night in the Backstage Cafe'. This post show entertainment treat is our commitment to host curated quality talent from the community. So grab a beverage and a bite and savor the sounds of underground Atlanta!
community and youth
ABTF ENCORE!
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival brings you the best of the fest with ABTF Encore! We select your Festival Favorite and bring it back for a full-run. Dates: TBA
INTERNSHIPS
Reaching our youth...
We collaborate with universities like South Carolina State, Fort Valley State and Georgia State, to provide hands on experiences to the next generation of African-American students seeking opportunities in creative careers.
SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
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.
YOUTH TRAINING
S.T.A.R.T. TEEN CAMP: A summer art and technology S.T.E.A.M. camp that provides educational and internship training for teens interested in creative careers in theatre and the digital arts (tv, film).
We love our pARTners...
advertisers...
supporters...
and media.
