Black Theatre United's third annual Gala, with the theme United: Today & Beyond, is held September 29 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
The gala honors producers Mathew Knowles, Gena Avery Knowles, Tonya Lewis Lee, and Lester Coney as well as five-time Tony-nominated director and choreographer Camille A. Brown (Gypsy, Hell's Kitchen). Recently retired Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Executive Director Tom Viola will receive a Special Recognition Award.
The evening also features performances and appearances by Broadway artists, BTU founders, and the next generation of musical theatre performers, including Shoshana Bean, Nick Daly, Kayla Davion, Darius de Haas, Jason Gotay, Kecia Lewis, Kristina Nicole Miller, Okieriete Onaodowan, Sherie Rene Scott, Matt Rodin, Maya Sistruck, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marty Thomas, Lillias White, and Anna Zavelson. The band includes Joseph Joubert, Deah Love Harriott, Michael Olatuja, Ayodele Maakheru, and Cory Rawls.
Honorary Gala Co-Chairs include Common, Ariana DeBose, Whoopi Goldberg Josh Groban, Tamron Hall, Karine Jean-Pierre, Spike Lee, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, Sherri Shepherd, Robyn Coles and Evan Coles, Cynthia Erivo, Shonda Rhimes, and LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Julie Boardman is also a Gala co-chair.
Proceeds from the Gala support BTU’s empowering programs, including The BTU Rise Marketing and Press Internship, The New Deal for Broadway, Business of Show discussion series, Community Town Hall events, BTU Designer Initiative, the Marva Hicks Musical Theatre Scholarship, and BTU’s Broadway Bound Educational Program.
Vice President and co-creator of the Gala Michael McElroy said in an earlier statement, "Since our inception, the founders of BTU have always believed in working with our entire artistic community to move towards becoming a space where all identities, and stories are valued, and centered as they boldly celebrate the breadth of humanity. This year's gala performances will partner founders with allies in musical moments that remind us of the power of our art form when we partner in song. Only when we continue to unite can our industry boldly and with great intention move towards fulfilling its fullest potential as a space for all."
Founded in 2020, BTU’s mission is to provide access for up-and-coming Black artists, pathways for art makers, and opportunities for industry professionals historically marginalized within the theatre world and beyond.
Visit BlackTheatreUnited.com/Gala.
