In the 1870s, 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, TX, to Dodge City, KS., 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.
Black Spectrum Theatre's illustrious Dinner & Show series, also known as Dinner Theatre, returns for two special dates, Saturday, November 16, 2024 with Jonathan Butler and special guest Gha'il Rhodes Benjamin, and Saturday, February 8, 2025 with Norman Connors and special guest Glenn Jones.
The Grammy-nominated and multi-talented singer/songwriter/guitarist Jonathan Butler (along with Grammy-nominated spoken word artist Gha'il Rhodes Benjamin) comes to Black Spectrum Theatre for the first time for an unforgettable concert and fine cuisine.
As an irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy's legendary Motown made its mark not just in the music industry, but society at large with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. Artists such as The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Eddie Kendricks, Mary Wells, David Ruffin, Stevie Wonder, Don Cornelius and the “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson communicated and brought together a racially divided country and segregate society around the world touching all people of all ages and races. No other record company in history has exerted such an enormous influence on both the style and substance of popular music and culture. This is its story!
Scrooge is a children’s play based on the Christmas classic A Christmas Carol, where a stingy wealthy landlord “Scrooge” of an orphanage is forever changed by visits of ghosts fro his past, present and future. “Scrooge” is transformed into a compassionate, generous man who has learned to love the orphanage children he once despised.
'Twas the Night Before Kwanzaa is an original holiday fantasy play for the entire family about three newly hired African-American elves who find that Santa Claus diverted to Africa to learn about Kwanzaa. Filled with lovable characters, unforgettable songs, and plenty of positive and uplifting messages about the holidays, 'Twas the Night Before Kwanzaa is a must-see.
For over 30 years Bed-Stuy’s own Maimouna Keita African Dance Company has celebrated the rich art and heritage of Africa and its diaspora through extensive conferences, performances, and cultural workshops. It was named after Bambara singer and dancer Maimouna Keita and led by her granddaughter, Artistic Director Marie Basse-Wile. This year, their elite dancers will take the Black Spectrum Theatre stage as well as other local dance companies.
Start your Valentine’s Day festivities with R&B hitmakers Norman Connors and Glenn Jones in concert with fine cuisine and a dazzling tribute to the late Phyllis Hyman and the late Michael Henderson.
This updated 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 this gripping and empowering production, discover the meaning of why we celebrate Juneteenth, a federal holiday that marked a pivotal turning point in history.
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.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through At Last: An Etta James Story, where the stage comes alive with the parallel narrative of Etta James’ personal struggles and her electrifying rise to stardom, intertwining into a soul-stirring theatrical masterpiece.
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
