BDAAC Newsletter September 2011

Imagine That!

CBTC's "Polly! Home Again"

Focus on the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company

by Karen Arnold

The city of Cincinnati offers a plethora of diverse artistic opportunities to its citizens. The Cincinnati Black Theatre Company (CBTC) is an organization that provides opportunities to those interested in theatrical arts. This organization is a staple within the College Hill community because of their emphasis on arts education. They have served the Cincinnati community since 1998. Their mission is to keep alive the spirit of Black Theatre by offering outstanding theatrical productions, performance and employment opportunities, children's theater, educational programs and community outreach in all aspects of theatrical art.

The Cincinnati Black Theatre Company supports the Cincinnati community with their commitment to promoting diversity and multiculturalism, pursuing opportunities for community outreach and collaborations, increasing literacy, and providing access to the arts for everyone. In fact, people from all cultural, ethnic, socio-economic backgrounds, and ages are invited to participate and attend CBTC programs and activities. They proudly serve children and adults from diverse populations with a focus on disadvantaged youth from typically under-served communities.

Education is a core aspect of the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company's mission. They offer unique educational programs that celebrate the artist within all of us. In fact, the "Imagine That!" arts and education program was established in order to cultivate and encourage extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire youth. This program serves school-age students with the goal of developing the next generation of theatrical artists, audiences, and most importantly, critical thinkers, readers, and writers. Participation within this program gives children the amazing opportunity to work with both professional and non-professional musicians, vocalists, dancers, actors, speakers, scholars, and community leaders who are actively engaged in the arts. Most importantly, the staff is committed to sharing their gifts. Imagine That!

The Cincinnati Black Theatre Company hosts four productions yearly, including a celebrity series, children's theatre production, and Black Nativity—a Christmas story written by Langston Hughes. Auditions are held for those interested in performing in these productions. Additional volunteer opportunities are also available for anyone with a love for the theater and a sincere desire to help. For more information about CBTC, visit their website at www.cincinnatiblacktheatre.org .