BLACK ENSEMBLE MISSION

BE's MISSION

The mission of the Black Ensemble (BE) Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects on our society through the use of theater arts and community  engagement. BE is the only theater in the nation whose mission is to eradicate  racism. We use theater to bring diverse races together in a community that embraces similarities and fosters dialogue, understanding, acceptance, and healing. 

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BE Theater delivers the authentic African-American voice, creating a  transformational gateway and bringing us all together. BE produces high-quality, impactful, innovative, and relevant productions that aim to dismantle the foundation of racism. 

 

BE's HISTORY

The Black Ensemble Theater, founded in 1976 by actress, producer, and  playwright Jackie Taylor, has grown from a small community-arts organization to a vibrant, internationally renowned arts institution. A leader and innovator in the arts community, BE Theater is recognized as one of the most diverse theaters in the country, producing excellent theater and outstanding, award-winning educational outreach programs. 

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In 2011, BE celebrated the grand opening of the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, the theater’s first permanent home, at 4450 N. Clark St., in the  heart of Chicago’s Uptown community. In 2026, we will break ground on Free to BE, a neighborhood development initiative that will sustain Black Ensemble for many generations and propel our mission outside the theater walls.