Mission Statement
The Black Theatre Alliance Awards celebrates and acknowledges the artistic excellence of African American theatre artists in the Chicagoland area.
Our mission is to honor and uplift the outstanding achievements of performers, writers, technicians, musicians, and producers who contribute to the rich cultural fabric of our community.
Through recognition and support, we aim to inspire future generations of African American artists and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the theatrical landscape.
Our Story: The Magic Behind the Curtain
Established by creative historian Vincent Williams in 1995, the Black Theatre Alliance Awards (BTAA) mission is to identify and mark with distinguish the artistic achievement of African American theatre artists in the Chicagoland area.
We annually host an award ceremony that honors performers, writers, technicians, musicians, and producers and BTAAs’ panel of adjudicators assesses over one hundred theatrical productions each year.
As a non-profit volunteer organization, our members include, but are not limited to, theatrical artists, military personnel, business professionals, and technical specialists. Each believes black theatre has a robust life and complexities that engage and transform past, present, and future black history.
Although we at BTAA are motivated by black achievement, our awards remain open to all artisans who enrich Black Theatre!
Meet the Board: Our Leadership Team
Cheryl Gatson
President
McKinley Johnson
Vice President
Valorie Harris
Secretary/Treasurer
J. Michael Jones
Director
Toney Hall
Director