Mission:
To sustain and grow African-American theater by producing new and traditional art forms that contribute to the understanding and appreciation of the African-American culture.
Vision:
To be the pre-eminent forum for African-American theatre in the greater Washington, DC community.
History:
African Continuum Theatre is the only full-time, professional African American theatre company in Washington, D.C., created in 1989 as a service organization to assist the dozen or more small black community theatres improve the quality and visibility of their work. In 1995, the Coalition transitioned into a theatre company, with a primary mission to produce professional, high-quality programming and plays for the general public that entertain, enlighten and educate and preserve and highlight the history and culture from an African American perspective.
African Continuum Theatre Company has presented over 35 fully-produced, main-stage plays, seven world premieres, along with numerous public readings of new works by playwrights of color for over a decade. African Continuum Theatre is committed to providing new and traditional performing art forms from main-stage productions to community engagement programs. Its’ focus and strength is engaging the community with exciting and meaningful, professional theatrical productions, educational programs, internships, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities that bring us to the larger community.
African Continuum has garnered recognition for its artistic endeavors and leadership from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington and other agencies, including 16 Helen Hayes Awards nominations, 3 Helen Hayes Awards, the Washington Post Award for Distinguished Service to the Community, and a Mayor’s Arts Award.
