The National Black Theatre: Institute for Action Arts

The National Black Theatre: Institute for Action Arts NBT's core mission remains the same today as it was at the time of its founding, to produce transfor
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NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE INC- Founded by visionary Dr. Barbara Ann Teer in 1968, the National Black Theatre (NBT) has pioneered “the healing art of black theatre as an instrument for wholeness in urban communities where entrepreneurial artists of African descent live and work." NBT’s own original productions have toured the USA, Caribbean, Central America, Africa, Asia and has performed in venues throughout New York City, such as The Apollo Theatre, Lincoln Center and the Beacon Theatre. NBT performances attract audiences of over 90,000 each year, more than any other African-‐American community based Theatre company in NYC. To date, NBT has won over 45 AUDELCO Black Theatre Excellence Awards, produced over 300 productions, and countless workshops, courses and community events.

09/14/2026

The past does not have to define where you are going.

Give yourself grace for what you did not know then, and space to grow beyond it now.

09/11/2026

America, Who Hurt You is now playing!

09/11/2026

Make room. Take up space. Let the movement speak.

📽: IG-maggyvandenheuvel

🎉 We’re thrilled to share that National Black Theatre had TWO of our mainstage productions featured in The New York Time...
09/10/2026

🎉 We’re thrilled to share that National Black Theatre had TWO of our mainstage productions featured in The New York Times’ Fall Preview! 🎭✨

Huge thank you to the The New York Times for recognizing and celebrating the work we’re bringing to NYC this season. Being highlighted alongside the city’s most anticipated fall theater is a proud moment for our entire NBT family — artists, staff, board, and community.

This season, Just Beyond the Horizon continues to push forward new work and bold storytelling, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it with us.

📍 See you at Theatre for a New Audience and The Shed this fall.

09/09/2026

Theater asks us to be present. To listen closely, respond honestly, and remain open to what comes next. Those lessons have a way of following us everywhere.

What happens onstage does not have to stay onstage.

🗣: Michelle Obama , Don Cheadle , Ayo Edebiri

09/07/2026

We cannot build a future we cannot first imagine. Give yourself the freedom to envision something greater, something more expansive, something that has never existed before. Dream boldly.

🗣: IG- marclamonthill
📽: IG- deante.kyle

We are thrilled to announce the Talk Back Schedule and some of the special guests joining us during the North American P...
09/03/2026

We are thrilled to announce the Talk Back Schedule and some of the special guests joining us during the North American Premiere of “America, Who Hurt You?” It is deeply exciting to have these leading voices in the space of art, culture, and policy come together to help our community digest this seminal moment and work together through dialogue to find solutions. Book your tickets today and join us after the show to participate as we build the conversation together.

Foment Talkback: 20-minute conversations moderated by Sarah Jones (Sarah Jones) with special guests. 

NBT AfterWords: 30-minute town hall conversations withartists and scholars offering perspectives on the play moderated by Sade Lythcott (Sade Lythcott) and/or Jonathan McCrory (Jonathan McCrory). 

TFANA Talk: a 45-minute conversation with artists and scholars offering perspectives on the play. 

North American premiere: September 10–27, at Polonsky Shakespeare Center. Co-produced with Theatre For A NewAudience (Theatre for a New Audience), in association with Foment Productions (Foment Productions) , Cinereach (Cinereach) & Jayson Jackson (@ jay_jonah_jacko)

On September 8 at 12:15 PM, ahead of the premiere of America, Who Hurt You?, NBT's Chief Executive Officer Sade Lythcott...
09/03/2026

On September 8 at 12:15 PM, ahead of the premiere of America, Who Hurt You?, NBT's Chief Executive Officer Sade Lythcott and Executive Artistic Director Jonathan McCrory will go live on Instagram (@ natblactheatre) for a deep dive into our 26/27 season theme, Just Beyond The Horizon.

Through our five productions, Just Beyond the Horizon explores identity, belonging, love, self-determination, healing, and hope. Together, these works affirm a truth that has guided National Black Theatre since its founding: the future is not something we inherit; it is something we create. Just beyond the horizon lies the possibility of a more liberated world, and through art, community, and collective action, we move toward it together.

Check out our season Dramaturgical Deck below, then send us any questions/topics you would like Sade and Jonathan to answer/discuss during the live!

Check out our 26/27 season Dramaturgical Deck :https://bit.ly/4wEkBNC
Send in questions to Sade & Jonathan: https://bit.ly/4wVKjwm

08/31/2026

To know yourself is powerful. To honor yourself openly is its own kind of freedom. Begin this week rooted in your truth and unafraid of what your honesty may awaken.

🗣: Nina Simone

Address

2031-2033 National Black Theatre Way ( Fifth Avenue Btwn 125/126 St )
New York, NY
10035

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 10pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 11pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+12127223800

Website

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