where black theatre thrives!
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival offers the nation's largest selection of Afro-centric theatrical performances under one roof. The ABTF was recently named among the five "top theatre festivals to visit around the world" by TopTenZilla.com. More like a family reunion than a festival, the event schedule is a full marathon of plays, master classes, parties, musical performances, 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 rare glimpse into the development process and an opportunity to give feedback.
CREATIVECON FOR ARTISTS
CALLING ALL ARTISTS! It takes more than talent to make it in this industry. Are you looking for an opportunity to network and share industry trends in a supportive, collaborative environment? The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival's 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 of color.
VENDORS' MKT & GALLERY
Experience our version of "Black Friday"! Economic viability is a crucial pillar to building community. The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival's 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 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Favorite Award winners and a VIP After Glow (party)! 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!
Welcome to the home of the atlanta black theatre festival!
PORTER SANFORD III PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
All the magic at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival happens under ONE roof!
October 2 - 5, 2019
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 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.
community events
MACON THE STAGE
An annual cultural arts initiative that's anchored by a collective partnership between the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, the historic Douglass Theatre in Macon, GA and Land Mindz Inc. The ultimate goal is to raise money for scholarships to provide access for youth to attend summer enrichment camps.
Macon the Stage is the place to enjoy, learn, and celebrate the arts; while paying tribute to legendary artist who helped pave the way. Everything happens at the Historic Douglass Theatre!
COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival collaborates 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.
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 : April 2020
Venue: Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center
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. Tickets are subsidized for students.
Photo Gallery
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival 2015
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