42 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | FEBRUAR Y 2020 THE MAKING OF A MOVEMENT The Black Theatre Troupe is doing some of the community’s most vital theater By Karen Werner THE STORY The Black Theatre Troupe began as a way to alleviate some of the racial tensions of the late 1960s and early 70s that were brewing in most major U.S. cities. In an effort to serve the community, Helen K. Mason, a supervisor in the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, was asked to design and implement a program that might head off the riots that had plagued other cities. CHARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back} What started as a series of open-door “rap sessions” for minorities blossomed into an inclusive theater troupe that has gone on to play an essential role in Phoenix’s development. “It was formed on a platform of activism and a belief that it was important to share the African-American experience,” said David Hemphill, the executive director of Black Theatre Troupe. “It is also a notable bridge to unite all cultures through stories — all of the company’s productions have universal themes and appeal.”

“ “IT WAS FORMED ON A PLATFORM OF ACTIVISM AND A BELIEF THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SHARE THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. IT IS ALSO A NOTABLE BRIDGE TO UNITE ALL CULTURES THROUGH STORIES — ALL OF THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTIONS HAVE UNIVERSAL THEMES AND APPEAL.” Today, this respected professional theater company continues both to promote excellence in the performing arts and provide opportunities for people of color. The only professional African- American theater company within the four-corner states, the Black Theatre Troupe conducts educational workshops and produces plays that reflect the African-American experience. “Without our company and the productions we present, many artists of color would not have many — or in some cases, any — outlets or platforms to develop their skills and talents,” Hemphill said. “Black Theatre Troupe is the place where people of color can ‘see themselves’ onstage and feel secure in having those same aspirations.” THE CAUSE All of Black Theatre Troupe’s programs are community-based and encourage community participation and educational development. “Our training programs give all that are interested the opportunity to pursue their dreams. They are able to learn and hone their skills to become proficient and competitive performers,” Hemphill said. Still, many people outside the black community ask Hemphill why they only do “black plays with black performers.” To which he has a ready answer. “It is imperative that they remember that the black experience in America has been and continues to be influenced by many Your conscious life M A G A Z I N E #GreenLivingAZ 480 840 1589 • • Roosevelt Mini Park 837 N. 3rd Ave. Phoenix. AZ 85003 March 21, 2020 Yoga: 9a.m. Expos: 10a.m. - 3p.m. www.greenlivingaz.com/arizona-events/eco-events RSVP Online party.greenlivingaz.com HAVE FUN & INTERACT WITH US Introduces Eco PHX Substainable Apartments Eco Expo: • Local chef demonstrations • Sustainable products and services Green Living Magazine is providing an interactive experience for sustainability living by providing: • Family-friendly and children activities • Live music - come dance! Free Event Title Sponsor Other Sponsors