Global Black Theatre Conference

Atlanta Black Theatre Festival presents the Global Black Theatre Conference — a golden globe on a theatre stage. Open Doors. Build Stages. Create What’s Next. January 26–28, 2027, online.

Three days of practical workshops, industry insights, and professional connections for the people creating the future of Black theatre.

Time2–5 PM EST Daily
WhereVirtual · Attend From Anywhere
Register Free Go VIP — $67

The curtain rises in

--Days
--Hours
--Minutes
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Actors. Playwrights. Directors. Producers. Technical Theatre Professionals.
General admission is free — the VIP Backstage Pass is an upgrade, never a requirement.

Three Days. Three Disciplines. Real Possibilities.

Whether you’re developing your craft, bringing a new production to life, or exploring what’s next in your theatre career, this conference brings together practical learning and opportunities to connect.

Two actors laughing together mid-scene on stage at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
The Craft

Acting

Strengthen your craft, gain professional insights, and explore approaches to developing your work as a performing artist.

Actors in a dramatic moment on stage at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
The Build

Technical Theatre

Explore the creative and technical elements that bring productions to life, from backstage innovation to practical production skills.

Three readers at music stands during a staged reading at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
The Story

Playwriting

Develop your storytelling skills, explore the creative process, and gain insights into preparing work for the stage.

Real conversations. Practical knowledge. New possibilities.

More Than a Conference. A Place to Connect.

The Global Black Theatre Conference brings together theatre creatives for three afternoons of learning, meaningful conversations, and fresh perspectives. Explore new ideas. Connect with people who share your passion. Take what you learn into your next project, production, or professional opportunity.

A joyful group of HBCU students in ‘I love my HBCU’ shirts together at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival

Learn

Participate in practical, discipline-focused workshops led by working theatre professionals.

Seven people with arms around each other smiling at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival step-and-repeat

Connect

Engage with fellow Black theatre creatives across locations and disciplines — from Atlanta to Accra, Toronto to Johannesburg.

African dancers in feathered headdresses and white pants leaping with arms raised, drummers behind them

Create

Discover ideas and resources to support your next steps, on stage and behind it.

An ensemble cast in colorful costumes celebrating on stage at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
On stage at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival — the community this conference grows from.

Meet Our Conference Presenters

Day 1 · Acting

Keith Arthur Bolden

“Auditioning That Gets You Called Back”

Tuesday, January 26 · 2:00–2:50 PM EST

Day 3 · Playwriting

Garland Thompson Jr.

“Writing Plays That Get Staged” panel

Thursday, January 28 · 2:00–2:50 PM EST

Day 3 · Closing Panel

Rhoma Spencer

“Producing Across the Diaspora: Connecting Actors and Playwrights to Opportunity”

Thursday, January 28 · Closing Panel

The closing panel is moderated by Toni Simmons Henson. More presenters will be announced as they are confirmed.

Choose Your Conference Experience

Every seat in the house is a good one. Join free for all three afternoons — or step backstage with the VIP pass and a full year of professional community.

General Admission

Free

Join us for three afternoons of learning and connection.

  • Live virtual conference access, all three days
  • Workshops in Acting, Technical Theatre, and Playwriting
  • Access to scheduled conference presentations and discussions
  • Opportunities to connect and learn from the theatre community
Register Free

VIP Backstage Pass

$67

Three Days of Inspiration. One Year of Opportunity.

  • Everything included in General Admission, plus:
  1. 72-Hour Conference Replay AccessRevisit presentations and catch sessions you missed, subject to recording permissions. Replay links are emailed to VIP pass holders and remain available through midnight EST, January 31, 2027.
  2. Exclusive VIP Networking ReceptionConnect with fellow theatre professionals in a more personal virtual setting. Limited to the first 100 VIPs — first come among VIP buyers. The VIP pass itself is not capped.
  3. Digital Black Theatre Resource ToolkitPractical tools, professional resources, and selected materials to support your creative journey.
  4. Hot Seat Participation OpportunityApply for an opportunity to participate in a special live Hot Seat experience with an invited industry professional. Selection is not guaranteed.

Your VIP Bonus

One Full Year in ABTF’s New Professional Community

Stay connected with fellow theatre professionals, discover industry opportunities, share your work, access resources, and explore continuing education opportunities throughout the year.

12-month membership included with VIP. Optional renewal after the first year: $47 annually — you are never charged automatically.

Get My VIP Backstage Pass — $67

Registration and VIP payment are handled securely through Ludus, our ticketing partner — you can buy VIP directly, without registering free first. On Ludus you’ll enter your first name, last name, and email address; your confirmation email carries your event access instructions.

Rooted in Black Theatre. Committed to What’s Next.

For 15 years, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival has brought theatre artists, producers, playwrights, and audiences together to celebrate Black storytelling and create opportunities for artistic expression.

The Global Black Theatre Conference extends that commitment beyond the festival stage — connecting creatives through professional learning, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations.

Because the future of Black theatre belongs to the people who continue to create it.

A packed audience at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
The CommunityArtists, students, and theatre lovers at the festival.
A crowd of festival attendees gathered in the lobby at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
The ReadingsNew work, heard aloud for the first time.
An ensemble of performers on a blue-lit stage at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
The Next GenerationEnsembles building what comes next.

Questions, Answered

Is the conference really free?

Yes. General Admission is completely free and covers all three afternoons — every workshop, presentation, and discussion, live online. The VIP Backstage Pass ($67) is an optional upgrade with additional experiences; it is never required to attend.

How do I register?

Registration runs through Ludus, our ticketing partner. Choose General Admission (free) or the VIP Backstage Pass ($67) — you can buy VIP directly, without registering free first. You’ll enter your first name, last name, and email address, and VIP payment is completed securely on Ludus. Your confirmation email carries your event access instructions.

How do I attend virtually?

The conference is live online, 2–5 PM EST daily, January 26–28, 2027. After you register, your confirmation and follow-up emails include the access instructions for joining each afternoon — from anywhere in the world.

What is included with the VIP Backstage Pass?

Everything in General Admission, plus 72-hour replay access (available through midnight EST, January 31, 2027), the exclusive VIP networking reception (limited to the first 100 VIPs, first come), the Digital Black Theatre Resource Toolkit, the opportunity to apply for the live Hot Seat experience, and a full 12-month membership in ABTF’s new professional community.

How do I access my complimentary community membership?

Your VIP confirmation explains how your membership in ABTF’s professional community (hosted on Skool) is activated. The 12-month membership is included with your pass; renewal after the first year is optional at $47 annually, and you are never charged automatically.

What if I can’t attend every session live?

That’s what the VIP replay is for. VIP pass holders receive replay links by email after the conference, and the replay stays available through midnight EST, January 31, 2027 — revisit any presentation, or catch the ones you missed.

The Next Chapter of Black Theatre Is Being Written.

Join artists, creators, and theatre professionals for three afternoons of learning, connection, and possibilities.

Bring your talent. Bring your ideas. Bring your passion for Black theatre.

January 26–28, 2027 · 2–5 PM EST Daily · Virtual

Register Free Upgrade to VIP — $67

Open Doors. Build Stages. Create What’s Next.