The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a world-class, self-producing platform where creative artists from all over the globe showcase their work in Atlanta. The festival is supported by Friends of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, a 501(c)3 organization.
The 2023 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is "Macon the Stage" at the historic Douglass Theatre, the oldest, Black-established theatre in the nation!
Location:
Douglass Theatre
355 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Macon, GA 31201
(just one hour from ATL Airport)
Date:
Thu. 8/31/23 - Sat. 9/2/23
(Labor day weekend)
There are two submission categories:
We aim to create and expand opportunities for artists of color to affordably produce and present their work to thousands of theatre and art lovers in person and digitally. We will happily consider all types of submissions; however, we especially seek cutting edge, original Afro-centric productions. We do NOT, however, exclude anyone based on race or ethnic origin.
Acceptance to the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is highly competitive. Our audiences consist of producers, directors, artists and patrons from all over the world seeking unique yet quality artistic experiences. Please present your best possible, completed submission package for consideration.
Submissions are being accepted to present high quality performances with minimal set requirements. All FP submissions are placed on the festival schedule based on the suitability of the performance for that date, time and setting, and space availability.
Submissions from Outside the U.S.: If you are located outside of the United States, you are required to have a U. S. based Producer (individual or entity) with a U.S. bank account to act as your legal agent.
Criteria:
Perks:
Submission Checklist:
Submissions are being accepted to present high-quality performances with minimal set requirements. All submissions are placed on the festival schedule based on the suitability of the performance for that date, time and setting, and space availability. These submissions fall under the following Special Event category:
Submissions from Outside the U.S.: If you are located outside of the United States, you are required to have a U. S. based Producer (individual or entity) with a U.S. bank account to act as your legal agent.
Criteria:
Perks:
Submission Checklist:
We are seeking a selection of original scripts for stage, television, web series and screen in various stages of development. Work that has been produced can also be considered for this category. Actors are required to present while standing and a hosted "talk back" is required.
This is a very popular event at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and an excellent opportunity to present your work in development for future production. Upon request, our staff of distinguish university professors, industry experts and award winning writers are always on hand to give valuable feedback and assistance. We are here to help!
Criteria for Staged Readings:
Perks:
Submission Checklist:
We are seeking a selection of original works, television, web series and screen.
Criteria for Film Screening
Perks:
Submission Checklist:
Open to All Teaching Artists and Facilitators for the following:
Submission Checklist:
Perks
As a festival participant, we work hard to make sure you (and your cast) get the most out of this experience, The Festival sets admission prices, if any, and retains all admission revenue with the exception of comp tickets allotted in certain specified categories.
Festival Participation Fees includes:
The ABTF has: opened doors to many opportunities:
We'd love to get you started and know you better as an artist! We want to be sure you have realistic expectations and fully understand what it takes to participate in the ABTF.
We receive an overwhelming number of submissions. Please read everything carefully. Festival producing is not for everyone. Moreover, every festival is different in pace, format, culture, and temperament. The ABTF is fast-paced and can be very stressful.
This can be a wonderful experience and a phenomenal opportunity to grow and expand. Consider this an investment in yourself; although, it is possible to cover related expenses and/or earn a profit with good old fashioned hard work and community support. It is all up to you. Start planning now. Participation takes time, hard work, money and dedication. Be sure to be realistic about your budget and time commitments.
It's never too early to begin planning. We suggest you consider attending the ABTF and/or submitting to categories other than the Full Performance category to familiarize yourself with the process, producers, and patrons. This will give you a 360-degree view of what to expect. It's also a great way to get plugged-in and network with other artists.
Be HONEST with YOURSELF, ask QUESTIONS and do your resarch!
Hope to see you at the ABTF!
Updated 1/24/23 - All of the above is subject to changes due to unforseen circumstances.
Please read carefully. The point system outlined below is our scoring rubric and will help you assess your chances of being accepted.
Artistic Quality (60 points)
Production Value (20 points)
Administrative Capability (20 points)
NOTE: GMAIL SIGN-UP MAY BE REQUIRED TO ACCESS APPLICATION FORMS
"The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival was the first Festival where I performed my show, and it was the best experience I ever had. Since performing there I've learned so much, Toni, the staff and crew was wonderful and was there when I needed or when I had any questions. I was there by myself and never felt that I was alone. I went on to
"The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival was the first Festival where I performed my show, and it was the best experience I ever had. Since performing there I've learned so much, Toni, the staff and crew was wonderful and was there when I needed or when I had any questions. I was there by myself and never felt that I was alone. I went on to perform a world tour! Telling stories is what I am about especially stories that need to be told. ABTF provides that platform and I am so grateful for that."
"We're so grateful and honored to have our play recognized by such a prominent theatre festival. We made history by telling herstory! The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a powerhouse; a class-act! From moving main stage performances to magnetic master classes; from stimulating stage readings to splendid special events. The Atlanta Bl
"We're so grateful and honored to have our play recognized by such a prominent theatre festival. We made history by telling herstory! The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a powerhouse; a class-act! From moving main stage performances to magnetic master classes; from stimulating stage readings to splendid special events. The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival gives the next generation of theatre professionals a platform to share, connect and build.
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival weaves a unique fabric of hope in Black Theatre! Bravo!"
"I truly see this festival becoming the ultimate place to see black theatre. The tightly bound doors when our stories were not told, now have a place to open the eyes of all ages. We are not monolithic, but we have shared the same struggle on stage and off. I have been privileged to produce, direct and act in this festival since 2013 and
"I truly see this festival becoming the ultimate place to see black theatre. The tightly bound doors when our stories were not told, now have a place to open the eyes of all ages. We are not monolithic, but we have shared the same struggle on stage and off. I have been privileged to produce, direct and act in this festival since 2013 and each year it gets better. The staff is truly committed to not only the preservation Black theatre, but raising the standards of excellence. This week of performers have truly given their hearts to theatre and the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival has led the way. "
"I was thrilled and honored to have my work chosen for the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. The materials, communication, and excellent website information were all testimonials to your extraordinary organizational skills. The reports of our cast, as well as other Festival attendees, all mentioned how beautifully coordinated everything was
"I was thrilled and honored to have my work chosen for the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. The materials, communication, and excellent website information were all testimonials to your extraordinary organizational skills. The reports of our cast, as well as other Festival attendees, all mentioned how beautifully coordinated everything was. Your amazing vision as Producer and Artistic Director of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is truly impressive. Warm best wishes and thanks for all you do." - Sandra Seaton, Nationally acclaimed playwright and winner of the distinguished Mark Twain Award
"I’d like to once again thank you and the festival committee for the opportunity to be onstage as part of your awesome festival. I have had other works read or produced in past events, but none as prestigious or professionally conducted as yours. It pushed me to new heights, pulling in a top director and cast worthy of a full production
"I’d like to once again thank you and the festival committee for the opportunity to be onstage as part of your awesome festival. I have had other works read or produced in past events, but none as prestigious or professionally conducted as yours. It pushed me to new heights, pulling in a top director and cast worthy of a full production. And I enjoyed the experience immensely. ...All questions were answered, all problems were resolved cheerfully and efficiently. I enjoyed working with such pros." -Roz Ayers-Williams, Acclaimed playwright and winner of Black Women in Jazz Award for Playwriting; Former Senior Editor for Black Enterprise Magazine.
"I continue to reflect on the amazing weekend of theater you visioned and manifested in Atlanta! It is indeed a testament to your skills as a producer that such a magnificent event came into existence. Thank you for including me in it and reaching out to Spelman to be included. It was an excellent opportunity to share and learn." -Al
"I continue to reflect on the amazing weekend of theater you visioned and manifested in Atlanta! It is indeed a testament to your skills as a producer that such a magnificent event came into existence. Thank you for including me in it and reaching out to Spelman to be included. It was an excellent opportunity to share and learn." -Alia Jones-Harvey, Olivier Award winner, Tony Nominee and Acclaimed Broadway Producer (Broadway Producing Credits: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring James Earl Jones, Trip to Bountiful starring Cicely Tyson, Eclipsed starring Lupita Nyong'o)
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Friends of Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
260 Peachtree St NW
Suite 2200
Atlanta, GA 30303