Join us as we celebrate beyond borders...
Two parties. two cities. Ten days.
Join us in Atlanta in October for an OUTDOOR theatre festival. Then join us as we take an incredible journey in December to West Africa in Accra, Ghana. This is a 10 year anniversary
celebration you don't want to miss!
atlanta black theatre Festival programs and events
LIVE PERFORMANCES
LIVE PERFORMANCES
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Also known as the "Festival of 4 Days of Black Plays", the Atlanta Black Theatre Fesival is more like a family reunion than an art festival. The event schedule is a marathon of curated events that include: world-class live theatre, masterclasses, panels, parties, live music, short films, staged readings, a Black Expo vendors' market, and more!
STAGED READINGS
LIVE PERFORMANCES
LIVE PERFORMANCES
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 digital platforms (tv/film/web). Each reading gives patrons a glimpse into the development process and an opportunity to give feedback.
CREATIVECON
LIVE PERFORMANCES
BLACK-EXPO MARKET
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, masterclasses, and panels.
BLACK-EXPO MARKET
BLACK-EXPO MARKET
BLACK-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!
ART GALLERY/TALKS
BLACK-EXPO MARKET
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 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Gallery Talks include tips on art investing, history, and art appreciation.
Join us each day for an invigorating discussion of blacks in art across the African Diaspora. Admission is FREE with registration!
CELEBRITY GALA
BLACK-EXPO MARKET
ART GALLERY/TALKS
Spend all four power-packed days immersed in an incredible artistic experience which culminates into the closing gala, one of the hottest events in Atlanta theatre. Here we celebrate with a critically acclaimed performance. Then we pay 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)! Its perfect for those looking for extraordinary things to do in Atlanta to celebrate our stories!
Welcome to 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!
- Two stages, two classrooms, a studio, large reception lobby and cafe'.
- 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. Named in honor of Porter Sanford III, the first African-American Presiding Officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners for his relentless commitment to civic and public service.
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!
what else does the atlanta black theatre festival do?
ABTF TRAVELS
COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS
COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS
Beyond the Return: An ABTF Arts and Cultural Pilgrimage
to Ghana - December 3 - 11, 2021
"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
COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS
COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS
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.
MACON THE STAGE
SCHOOL/GROUP PERFORMANCES
SCHOOL/GROUP PERFORMANCES
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: TBD
SCHOOL/GROUP PERFORMANCES
SCHOOL/GROUP PERFORMANCES
SCHOOL/GROUP PERFORMANCES
Georgia Standards of Excellence 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.
