Black Theatre United

What if the first time a child sees a Broadway show… is the moment they realize they belong? Theatre is more than a stage. It’s a spark. A possibility. A home. For a child, stepping into a theatre for the first time can be life-changing. It’s the moment they see a story that reflects their own. It’s when they hear a song that makes them believe in their voice. It’s where they realize that the dreams in their heart deserve a stage. But what about the children who never get that chance? The ones with talent but no access? The ones with a love for theatre but no roadmap to make it their reality? At Black Theatre United, we refuse to let Broadway be a dream for the privileged few. That’s why we created Broadway Bound, a mentorship and career development program designed to equip, guide, and inspire young artists from diverse backgrounds. Through hands-on training, access to industry professionals, and real-world experiences, Broadway Bound is breaking down barriers and ensuring that the next generation of Broadway stars, producers, designers, and storytellers reflect the richness and diversity of our world. But we can’t do this alone. Want to help shape the future of Broadway? ? Mentor a young artist. ? Donate to support training and resources. ? Advocate for theatre programs in schools. ? Sponsor a student’s journey to the stage. When we invest in our young people, we aren’t just building their futures; we’re building a Broadway that truly belongs to everyone. So today, on World Day of Theatre for Children & Young People, we ask: How will you make sure the next generation of theatre-makers gets their standing ovation? #WorldTheatreDay #BroadwayBound #BlackTheatreUnited #TakeAChildToTheTheatre #TheatreForAll

How can AI elevate Broadway, you ask? Well,... Broadway is magic. It’s the heartbeat of live performance, where stories unfold before you, no cuts, no edits, just raw, electric storytelling. But what if artificial intelligence could make that magic even more powerful? What if it could enhance, not replace, the artistry that makes Broadway what it is? Think about it. AI can analyze audience engagement in real time, helping producers understand what resonates. It can generate adaptive set designs, creating immersive, ever-evolving backdrops. It can assist playwrights in refining scripts, offering alternative story arcs, deeper character insights, or unexpected emotional beats. AI is not meant to replace human creativity but to challenge, sharpen, and push it further. Imagine AI-driven casting tools that help discover hidden talent. Imagine real-time language translation during performances, making Broadway more accessible. Imagine AI-powered choreography simulations, allowing directors to visualize movement before taking a single step. It’s not about losing the soul of Broadway. It’s about amplifying it. Tech meets theater. Innovation meets tradition. AI meets artistry. The future of Broadway isn’t just on the stage. It’s in the data, algorithms, and limitless possibilities waiting to be explored. The curtain is rising. The question is, are we ready to step into the next act? Also, here’s an interesting article we found from Medium that adds to our thoughts about AI and Broadway: The Spotlight on AI: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Broadway Shine by Ken Davenport. https://lnkd.in/ewGisrvt Davenport explores how AI can revolutionize Broadway through personalized marketing, enhanced special effects, audience feedback analysis, and even predictive analytics for show success. He also cleverly reveals that the article was written by AI, leaving us to question just how seamlessly technology can weave itself into creative spaces. So, what do you think? Can AI help Broadway shine brighter? Or is there something about live theater that should stay untouched by algorithms? Let’s talk. #BroadwayTech #BroadwayInnovation #TheatermeetsTech #FutureofBroadway #stageinnovation #artificialintelligence

Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Theater Publicists! Black Theatre United is teaming up with The Press Room NYC for an incredible eight-week summer internship in theater public relations! This is a hands-on, immersive experience where interns will: -Gain insight into strategic planning, event operations, and communications -Work full-time (40 hours/week, Mon-Fri) alongside PR professionals -Attend Broadway industry events and network with key players -Join bi-weekly sessions with the full team for an exclusive summer curriculum From researching trends to planning significant events and handling RSVPs, this internship is designed to give real-world PR experience in the heart of the theater industry. Applications close March 18th—don’t miss out! If you’re ready to dive into the world of Broadway PR, don’t miss this chance and make sure to go to our website and register here: https://bit.ly/BTURise #BTURise?#ThePressRoomNYC?#TheaterPR?#Broadway?#InternshipOpportunity?#ApplyNow

The Broadway Dream, but at What Cost? Broadway. The bright lights. The standing ovations. The adrenaline rush of opening night. But let's talk about what happens when the curtain closes. We romanticize the industry for a good reason, as well as the talent, artistry, and sheer grit it takes to make it. But behind the standing ovations are bodies pushed to the limit, mental health struggles swept under the rug, and an industry that often demands everything while giving little back. Let's get honest. What does it actually take to?sustain?a career on Broadway? Not just survive, but thrive? The Grind is real, but so is burnout. The eight-show-a-week schedule is grueling; it's a test of endurance. Imagine giving 110% every night while knowing you must wake up and do it all over again. Injuries, vocal strain, and exhaustion aren't "if" scenarios; they're inevitable. And yet, the expectation is to push through, show up, and smile. But at what cost? Sustainability in this industry isn't just about talent; it's about strategy. The performers who last, the ones who make it through decades instead of just a few years, prioritize their well-being just as much as their craft. Recovery isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Mental Health: The Unspoken Battle Rejection is part of the game. The audition grind, the contract uncertainties, the pressure to be?constantly?available for the next gig, it's a mental marathon. Yet, how often do we talk about the toll it takes? Therapy, support systems, and actual boundaries (yes, you can say no) aren't signs of weakness. They're the secret weapons of longevity. The industry needs to shift from glorifying overwork to valuing?sustainable?artistry. Beyond the Stage: Thinking Long-Term Here's the truth no one likes to say out loud: Broadway doesn't guarantee stability. Contracts end. Shows close. Injuries happen. And yet, many performers don't think about what comes next—until they have to. The most intelligent people in this industry treat their careers like businesses. They diversify. Teaching, voiceover work, content creation, creative consulting—multiple income streams aren't just about financial security; they're about freedom, the freedom to say no, the freedom to prioritize health, and the freedom to create on your terms. The Future of Broadway Needs a New Narrative What if we changed the conversation? What if success wasn't just about how long you could endure but how well you could?live?while doing what you love? What if we normalized recovery just as much as rehearsals? What if we celebrated saying "no" to burnout as much as we celebrated standing ovations? What if we redefined success—not as a never-ending grind but as a sustainable, fulfilling career? Broadway is magic. But magic needs energy to keep going. So, how do we make it last? Let's talk about it.

Standing ovation for BTU Vice President & Founding Member Michael McElroy! Michael is the 2025 recipient of the Johan Sundberg-Ingo R. Titze Award for Creativity in Voice Science, and if you know his work, you know why it is so well deserved. His passion for the human voice goes way beyond performance. For him, it’s a tool—for exploration, connection, and transformation. Whether lighting up Broadway, teaching in classrooms, or leading outreach efforts, he’s dedicated his life to uplifting voices, building community, and pushing the boundaries of art, science, and equity in the arts. This honor isn’t just about talent (which he has in abundance!); it’s about impact. And Michael’s impact is undeniable. Bravo, Michael! Keep breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation. #StandingOvation #CreativeExcellence #VoiceScience #Broadway #Leadership

What if I told you that within 15 minutes of walking into the The New York Public Library you could hold original Broadway costume sketches, rare set blueprints, or even Beethoven’s manuscripts? Sounds unreal, right? But for Doug Reside curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division New York Public Library for the Performing Arts this is just another day of preserving the legacy of Broadway. In the latest episode of Before the Curtain Rises: The Designer Series, we dive into how theater history is meticulously archived—from the very first scenic sketches to full-fledged stage productions. Doug explains why designers, performers, and researchers alike should be tapping into these invaluable resources. - How do past productions influence today’s revivals? - What secrets are hidden in costume designer notes? - Why does technology play a bigger role in preserving theater than we realize? If you’re a theater professional, an aspiring designer, or simply someone who loves Broadway, this episode is a must-watch. Because the key to creating the future of theater? Understanding its past. Catch the full conversation below now on Black Theatre United’s YouTube channel. https://lnkd.in/dHucdfqG Also, connect with us: ? IG: https://lnkd.in/dn_cQAx8 Threads: https://lnkd.in/dqn3i9ji Learn more about BTUs Design Hub:? https://lnkd.in/d6wgpw_G Donate:? https://lnkd.in/d9Dm3wps #PreservingBroadway #TheaterHistory #BlackTheatreUnited #BehindTheCurtain

There Aren’t Enough Women of Color in Broadway Leadership. Let’s Talk About It. Why aren’t more diverse women leading Broadway? Women of color write the stories, perform the roles, and sell the tickets that make Broadway what it is. But when it comes to leadership? The numbers don’t add up. - Only 13% of Broadway productions were directed by women in 2019. (Backstage.com) - Women of color producers? Less than 1%. (Theatermania.com) - Leadership teams remain overwhelmingly male, with limited diversity. (Americantheatre.com) The talent is there. The impact is undeniable. So why aren’t we seeing more women at the top? The Barriers No One Talks About - Lack of Access – Decision-makers exist in closed circles. - Funding Gaps – Women of color receive fewer investments and financial backing. - Systemic Bias – Too often, women of color are seen as performers, not executives. This isn’t about talent. It’s about opportunity. And it’s time for change. The Women Leading the Charge ?- LaChanze – Tony Award-winning actress turned producer. ?- Lynn Nottage – Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. ?- Camille A. Brown – First Black woman to direct & choreograph a Broadway play in 65+ years. We need more names on this list. What Needs to Happen Next ?- Fund Women-Led Productions – Invest in diverse leadership. ?- Hire More Women in Executive Roles – From Directors to CEOs. ?- Mentorship & Sponsorship – Build intentional pipelines for leadership. ?- Industry Accountability – Broadway must commit to real equity. What You Can Do Today -?Advocate for diverse women in leadership. - Support women-led productions. - Hire, mentor & amplify underrepresented voices. Broadway’s future is diverse, dynamic, and powerful—if we make it happen. Tag a woman in theatre leadership who inspires you. Let’s amplify their voices. #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOnBroadway #TheatreLeadership #BroadwayTrailblazers #EquityInTheArts

Broadway isn’t just a stage; it’s a movement. The Crafting Excellence: Black Storytellers of Broadway exhibit at The Museum of Broadway, presented in partnership with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, isn’t just about history. It’s about accountability. It’s about action. It’s about ensuring that the voices that built this industry are honored, heard, amplified, and given the space to thrive. That’s why Black Theatre United (BTU) was formed. That’s why leaders like Wendell Pierce continue to push for change. And that’s why this conversation can’t stop here. This article is a call to action. A reminder that representation is only the beginning—equity, leadership, and real opportunity are the next steps. Let’s talk: What does real inclusion look like in Broadway’s future? Read the full article below and join the conversation. #BlackTheatreUnited #WendellPierce #BroadwayLeadership #TheatreForChange #BlackVoicesMatter #CraftingExcellence #BroadwayEquity #RepresentationMatters

Interested in the BTU Rise Broadway Marketing Internship? Swipe to learn more about how this program helps emerging creatives to step into the world of theatre marketing through hands-on experience with top agencies. -Gain invaluable mentorship -Learn the ins and outs of theatre marketing -Work with leading NYC entertainment agencies Don’t wait—the application deadline is March 18th. Visit our website for more information and to apply today! Participating Agencies: -RPM -Serino Coyne -Situation -The Press Room NYC -AKA US -SpotCo Apply now: https://bit.ly/BTURise #BTURise #Internship #ApplicationsOpen #BlackTheatreUnited #TheatreMarketing #CreativeCareers #MarketingInternship

Are you dreaming of working in Broadway marketing and public relations? This is your shot! Black Theatre United is thrilled to share the opening of application registrations for the 2025 BTU Rise Marketing Internship program, which is NOW OPEN! It is an 8-week summer program designed to give you an excellent hands-on experience with leading Broadway marketing and PR agencies in NYC. Your Internship Perks & Experience: → Hands-on experience with top Broadway marketing and PR agencies and industry leaders at Serino Coyne, AKA US, RPM, Situation, SpotCo, and The Press Room NYC. → Joint programming with premier companies such as Polk & Co., iHeartMedia, and The New York Times, providing even more opportunities to expand your industry knowledge and network. → One-on-one mentorship from Broadway insiders, including BTU founding members and leading marketing and PR professionals. → An immersive deep dive into the industry while gaining skills in strategy, content creation, media planning, event coordination, and more? → Access exclusive networking events, industry meetups, and complimentary Broadway show tickets! → A fully paid full-time internship ($16/hour), free housing, and an unlimited MTA MetroCard for the summer. Who Should Apply? → Undergraduate students (all backgrounds welcome!) → Those who have a passion for entertainment marketing, advertising, PR, and Storytelling? → Creative thinkers who love collaboration, strategy, and blue-sky ideas → Anyone eager to break into the Broadway industry and build a robust network Program Date: June 16, 2025 - August 08, 2025 Deadline to Apply: March 18, 2025 Location: New York City Link to apply NOW: https://lnkd.in/eDBY6YSB If you’re an emerging creative looking to break into theatre marketing, don’t miss this opportunity! This isn’t just an internship. It’s your backstage pass to the Broadway industry! #BTURISE #BroadwayInternship #Marketing #PR #BlackTheatreUnited