Atlanta Arts category interest

Forty plays in four days—that's the formula of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (ABTF) that presents the largest and widest selection of Afro-centric theatre in the United States. This unique event was recently included in 'Top Theatre Festivals to Visit Around the World' by TopTenZilla. It was also named one of the ‘Best Fall Festivals’ by MyAJC, as well as a ‘Can't-Miss Fall Festival’ by the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Atlanta Black Theatre Festival Program

The festival embraces all theatre genres, from traditional theatre to urban contemporary, providing a diverse and original lineup of plays. Besides, there are art exhibits, educational workshops, celebrity panels, a Readers' Theatre series, many parties, and a fair with market vendors from around the world.

Festival Hours and Location

The event takes place from August 30, starting at 9 am to August 31, ending at 11:59 pm at the Holiday Inn andamp; Suites Atlanta Airport North and Southwest Art Center.

Tickets and Parking

The festival ticket prices range from $25 to $200. The VIP Conference andamp; Festival Pass has the highest price at $200, while the Creative Arts Conference Pass is $125. The parking costs $5 at Holiday Inn andamp; Suites Atlanta Airport North and is free at Southwest Art Center.

Festival History

The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival was founded in 2012 by Toni Simmons Henson, a graduate of Howard University and NYU. The initial idea was to revitalize the African-American heritage that had been replaced by a myth and to give love and healing to people of color. The inaugural year gathered some 2,500 theatre lovers from across the US.

Over 300 artists performed in 40 plays over three stages, yet expenses exceeded revenues; however, organizers haven't given up. Over the years, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival has provided a platform for over 125 playwrights from dozens of states and foreign countries to show their original works in Atlanta. Over 1,800 artists have had an opportunity to entertain thousands of theatre enthusiasts.