The Mountaintop is a fictional depiction of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last night on earth, set entirely in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel on the eve of his assassination in 1968.
Golden-Globe winning actress Regina Taylor created this series of short plays called Black Album Mixtape, which evokes these incendiary times by speaking out on January 6th (U.S. Capitol raid), Covid, Gun Violence, Gender Politics and the rolling back of hard-earned Civil Rights leaders with a hold-no-punches urgency. "Because now is not the time to be silent.
Friendship Express is a delightful musical that takes children on a fantasy train exploring the various types of friendships. There is a train stop for the best friends, acquaintances, and fair-weather friends. As the story unfolds, our main character discovers the greatest gift of all is a friend who's got your back.
Kings of Soul showcases the music of legendary artists Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Al Green in an evening of soulful rhythms and melodies. Honoring the true "Kings" of classic soul, featured hits include "Turn Off The Lights," "Lady Love," "Let's Get It On," "Sexual Healing," "Here And Now," "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still In Love With You," and more. The songs are sung by some of the top up-and-coming male crooners.
Danny Simmons' Def Poetry Jam is a form of poetry typically based on urban culture and themes often with an expressed focus on the African American experience. While diverse, there is certainly a precedent for African American poets in this art form. This type of poetry typically serves to illustrate the experiences and lifestyle of those who grow up in urban environments. Def Poetry can take a number of different forms, depending on the poet, though it typically expresses personal opinions and life stories.
This symposium brings together leading scholars, community organizers, and policymakers to grapple with the challenging questions of how to redress centuries of anti-Black racism and discrimination, and how to ensure that any move forward is designed with the long-term health of Black communities and individuals in mind.
In the 1870's, a young Black man named Sam Pete Stubblefield sets out to save the family farm by joining one of the last great trail rides up the famous Chisholm Trail. From Fort Worth, Texas to Dodge City, Kansas, these black spurred cowboys share the hardships and happy times of the trail along the way. Laughter, love, and the bond of friendship keep this cast of crazy characters together on a wild western musical adventure.
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Play-Reading Series returns to the Black Spectrum Theatre, Co. Inc. This event showcases excerpts of plays from talented local and national writers.
Natural Woman: An Aretha Story is a theatrical tribute to the legendary Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, as never told before. Experience her iconic songs all over again including such hits as "Chain of Fools," "Never Loved a Man," "Ain't No Way," "Respect," and more.
Back by popular demand is The Last Block Association. This story captures, with realism and humor, the day-to-day drama and issues that most urban block associations face in 21st century America. Enter Pauline, a no-nonsense Black leader with a heart of gold, who struggles to keep her block together despite crime, squabbles, changing demographics, hookups, and mysterious new neighbors.
Black Spectrum Theatre Co., Inc. presents A Mother's Day Doo-Wop Brunch & Concert. Performing live are the T.S.T. (The Spinners Tribute); The Heartbeats; and The Miracles Revue. Plus, an Afro-Centric fashion show. Come and celebrate the most precious and beloved gift on the planet...MOTHERS!
With a rich history of community-based theater, The Black Spectrum Theater is geared toward nurturing a new generation of artists in the 21st century. With 15–20 live events a year (ranging from theatre to music), we offer an exciting full season of programming, and our summer camps and after-school programs are geared to helping our youth explore the magic of the performance arts. Contact us today to learn more or to purchase tickets.
Purchase tickets today! (718) 723-1800
About Us
Writer, producer, filmmaker, and visionary Carl Clay founded Black Spectrum Theatre in 1970 to provide the community with African-American cultural expression through contemporary theater and film. To this end, we produce and present theatre, films, and videos examining issues of social significance to the African-American community. At our 325-seat state-of-art theatre, we serve more than 20,000 audience members annually—and we reach many thousands more through our nationally distributed films for urban teens series, mobile stage, and school residency programs.
Based in Jamaica, NY, Black Spectrum is the only professional theatre company reaching out to people of African descent in the area. Our programs for children and youth include our Youth and Children's Theatre Company, Summer Theatre Camp, Children's and Youth Theatre Institute, and E-CAP After School Program.
Call today to learn more.
Contact
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Phone (718) 723-1800
Hours of Operation Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Address 177-01 Baisley Boulevard Jamaica, NY 11434
Service Area Serving Jamaica, NY, and the Surrounding 50-Mile Radius
