where black theatre thrives!
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival 2015
What we do...
LIVE PERFORMANCES
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival offers the nation's largest self-producing platform of world-class, Afro-centric theatre offered 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 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 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 MKT/GALLERY
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 business that offer a unique selection of products as well as 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.
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!
LIVE MUSIC
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is proud to present "Acoustic Accents". We're bringing back this popular event for a second year! Held every night in the Backstage Cafe', this pre-show appetizer is our commitment to showcase curated talent from the community. So grab a beverage and a bite and savor the sounds of underground Atlanta!
the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival happens under one roof!
PORTER SANFORD III PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
All the magic at the happens under one roof at the
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival!
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.
year round community events, too!
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 for 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" for an ABTF Encore. Save the Dates:
Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur - April 2020
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.
We love our pARTners...
and media sponsors.
