Billie Holiday Theatre Incorporated
Since 1972, Brooklyn's premier Off-Broadway theatre produces new contemporary African-American plays and musicals at affordable prices. The Billie is celebrating its 50th Season as the theatrical jewel of Bedford Stuyvesant. Our mission is to provide audiences with complete and authentic portrayals of the experience of people of African descent across the world; and to provide artists of African descent pure and unapologetic artistic freedom. We do this by producing and presenting all forms of art, and by challenging unjust systems that prevent arts, artists, institutions, and communities of African descent full access to world-class arts, creative spaces, and art making.
Billie Holiday Theatre Incorporated
The Billie Holiday Theatre Incorporated, operating under EIN 112336154, is a renowned nonprofit organization located in Brooklyn, New York. It is one of the nation's premier Black playhouses, founded in 1972 as part of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the first community development corporation in the United States.
History
Established during the Civil Rights and Black Arts Movements, the Billie Holiday Theatre was created as a platform to expose the second largest Black community in America to the arts, while also providing opportunities for local talent. It has been instrumental in fostering a space where Black artists could develop their craft, hosting notable figures such as Samuel L. Jackson, Debbie Allen, Ruby Dee, and Tichina Arnold.
Mission
The theatre is dedicated to presenting, promoting, and sustaining art that reflects the experiences and issues relevant to people of African descent. It emphasizes educational programming and institutional residencies, focusing on authentic portrayals of the African diaspora experience.
Achievements
The Billie Holiday Theatre is an AUDELCO and Obie Award winner, recognized for its contributions to the arts. In 2023, it received a National Medal of the Arts, the nation's highest arts honor, highlighting its role in nurturing a new generation of Black playwrights and performers.
Programs and Events
The theatre hosts various programs, including a rich educational component led by Black artists. It also organizes events like SummerFest, featuring community activities such as music and spoken word performances, film festivals, and community dance classes. The theatre is part of a larger cultural and economic development effort in Central Brooklyn.
Grants and Support
The organization receives support from both government and private sources, including the Mellon Foundation, which awarded it a $5 million "Black Seed" grant in 2020. This support allows the Billie Holiday Theatre to continue its mission of elevating Black voices in the arts.
Renovation
In 2015, the theatre underwent renovations, temporarily relocating to Fort Greene before reopening in May 2017 at its original location in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Impact
The Billie Holiday Theatre has been a pivotal institution in fostering diversity and equity in the arts, providing a platform for underrepresented voices. Its legacy continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Brooklyn and beyond.
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Billie Holiday Theatre Incorporated
Our stage has always been more than a stage—it’s a vessel for our stories, our truths, our joy, and our fight. At a time when funding for the arts is being stripped away, we stand firm in our message: We Will Not Be Erased. Your support helps us keep the lights on, the curtains rising, and the voices of our community heard.
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Billie Holiday Theatre Incorporated
Due to unexpected inclement weather, tonight’s Skylight Open has been postponed. We were looking forward to celebrating Juneteenth with you through music, spoken word, and community energy—but your safety and experience come first. Stay tuned for the rescheduled date—we’ll be back soon with the same powerful lineup and even more joy.
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