
Beethoven Oden(sitting in chair) and the (Best Featured Actor in a Play) in "My Children, My Africa", produced by Victory Gardens Theater and Gilyard Productions

Best Featured Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) (L to R) Jon Michael Hill and Michael McKeon in "Superior Donuts". Produced by Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
|
|
The
Ossie Davis Award
Ossie Davis (1917- 2005), writer, actor, activist, and director. A Howard University alumni, wrote and starred in Purlie Victorious, that was turned into a movie, then Tony award winning Broadway musical. Married to actress Ruby Dee, both starred in Purlie Victorious and A Raisin In The Sun on Broadway. Both made their film debuts in the 1950 film No Way Out with friend Sidney Poitier. |
YEAR |
Best Featured Actor In A Play(Drama or
Comedy) |
1995 |
Christopher Brown - Northstar - Victory
Gardens Theater |
1996 |
Allan Louis- Black Star Line - The Goodman
Theatre |
1997 |
Tim Edward Rhoze - Ma Rainey's Black
Bottom- The Goodman Theatre |
1998 |
Dexter Zollicoffer - Blues For An Alabama
Sky - The Goodman Theatre |
1999 |
Phillip Edward Van Lear - Are You Now or Have
You Ever Been? - Next Theatre Company |
2000 |
Kenn E. Head - Voice of Good Hope -
Victory Gardens Theater |
2001 |
Willie B. Goodson - Before It Hits Home -
Congo Square Theatre Company |
2002 |
E. Milton Wheeler - Jesus Hopped The "A"
Train - Seppenwolf Garage Theatre |
2003 |
TIE - Ernest Perry Jr. - Five Rooms of Furniture - Organic Theater Company
&
Ronnel Taylor - Cut Flowers - The Chicago Theater Company and The Noble Fool Theater. |
2004 |
Will Sims ll - The House That Jack Built - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2005 |
Osiris Khepera - Relevant Hearsay”¦Stories from 57 - MPAACT |
2006 |
TIE - Anthony Fleming - Fences - Court Theatre
&
Taj McCord - Two Trains Running - Pegasus Players |
2007 |
Beethoven Oden - My Children, My Africa - Victory Gardens Green House Theater |
2008 |
Jon Michael Hill - Superior Donuts - Steppenwolf |
2009 |
Russell G. Jones - Ruined - The Goodman Theatre |
2010 |
Alfred H. Wilson - Ma' Rainey's Black Bottom - Court Theatre |
2011 |
Austin Talley – Brothers Of The Dust – Congo Square Theatre Company |
2012 |
Manny Buckley – Hit The Wall – The Inconvenience |
2013 |
Robert Hardaway – Ceremonies In Dark Old Men – eta |
 The cast of "The Wiz" with Gerald Richardson as the Tinman (Best Featured Actor in a Musical), produced by White Horse Theater Company
 Best Featured Actor In A Play (Musical or Revue) Rashawn Thompson as the younger Teddy Pendergrass in "I AM Who I Am - The Story of Teddy Pendergrass". Produced by
Black Ensemble Theater.
|
 |
The
Bill Bojangles Robinson Award
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878 - 1949), tap dancer
and actor. Bojangles was widely hailed "king of the tap dancers".
Robinson's early years was spent performing in the genre called
"vaudeville". Starred on Broadway in the 1930's and then films. |
YEAR |
Best Featured Actor In A Play(Musical or
Revue) |
1995 |
Vince Harris ”“ Doo Wop Shoo Bop- The Black
Ensemble Theater |
1996 |
Keith Steward ”“ Get Ready ”“ eta Creative
Arts Foundation |
1997 |
Kevin McILvaine ”“ This Far By Faith ”“ eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
1998 |
Andre De Shields ”“ Play On! ”“ The Goodman
Theatre |
2000 |
Percy Littleton ”“ Stones ”“ Bailiwick
Repertory Theater |
2003 |
Dwight L. Neal - Howlin' At The Moon - The Black Ensemble Theater
|
2004 |
James Earl Jones II - Eyes - eta
|
2007 |
Gerald Richardson - The Wiz - White Horse Theatre Company
|
2008 |
Rashawn Thompson - I Am Who I Am - The Story of Teddy Pendergrass - Black Ensemble Theater
|
2009 |
Ellis Foster - Sanctified - Congo Square Theatre Company
|
2010 |
Brandon Miller - Hopera - A Fallen Hero - A. Dunn & Hopera World
|
2011 |
Osiris Khepera – Passing Strange – Bailiwick Chicago
|
2012 |
Mark Smith – The Color Purple – J Ruffin Entertainment
|
2013 |
Andre' De Shields – The Jungle Book – Goodman Theatre
|
|

(L to R) Terrance Watts and Taylar (Best Leading Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy) in a scene from "Blues For An Alabama Sky".

Best Leading Actress In A Play (Drama or Comedy) Karen Aldridge as Gladys in "The Cook". Produced by The Goodman Theatre

J. Nicole Brooks, Best Leading Actress(Drama or Comedy) for her performance in "Fedra:Queen of Haiti", produced by Lookingglass Theatre Company
|
 |
The
Ruby Dee Award
Ruby Dee (1924 - Present), actress, writer, and activist.
An alumni of Hunter College, broke ground in 1965 as the first black woman
to play lead roles in the Shakespeare Festival. Has been nominated seven
times for Emmy Awards, and was a winner for the t.v. movie Decoration
Day. Highly respected and noted for her performance in Alice Childress's
Wedding Band. Married to actor Ossie Davis for 55 years both considered
natural treasures. |
YEAR |
Best Leading Actress In A Play (Drama or
Comedy) |
1995 |
Lydia Diamond - Faith And The Good Thing -
Chicago Theatre Company |
1996 |
Nambi E. Kelley - Coffee Will Make You
Black - City Lit Theatre |
1997 |
Ora Jones - Seeking The Genesis - The
Goodman Studio |
1998 |
Jacqueline Williams - Blues For An Alabama
Sky - Goodman Theatre |
1999 |
Tina Marie Wright - The Dreamers - eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
2000 |
Cheryl Lynn Bruce - Voice Of Good Hope -
Victory Gardens Theater |
2001 |
Libya Pugh - The Piano Lesson - Congo
Square Theatre Company |
2002 |
Lynn M. House - The Gift Horse - The
Goodman Theatre |
2003 |
Carolyn Nelson - Whispers Want To Holler - eta Creative Arts Foundation
|
2004 |
Karen Aldridge - Proof - The Goodman Theatre
|
2005 |
Velma Austin - Intimate Apparel - Steppenwolf Theatre Company
|
2006 |
L. Scott Caldwell - The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove - The Goodman Theatre
|
2007 |
Taylar - Blues For An Alabama Sky - eclipse theatre company
|
2008 |
TIE - Karen Aldridge - The Cook - Goodman Theatre Company
&
Lynette Mance - Bourbon At The Border - eclipse theatre company
|
2009 |
Saidah Arrika Ekulona - Ruined - The Goodman Theatre
|
2010 |
J. Nicole Brooks - Fedre: Queen of Haiti - Lookingglass Theatre Company
|
2011 |
Shanesia Davis – Brothers Of The Dust – Congo Square Theatre Company
|
2012 |
Pascale Armand – The Convert – The Goodman Theatre
|
2013 |
Dael Orlandsmith – Black N Blue Boys/Broken Men – The Goodman Theatre
|
 Ernestine Jackson, Best Leading Actress in a Play (Musical or Revue) for her performance in Cookin' at The Cookery: The Life and Times of Alberta Hunter, produced by Northlight Theatre.
 Best Leading Actress In A Play (Musical or Revue) E. Faye Butler as Ella Fitzgerald in "Ella". Produced by Northlight Theatre.
 Rashada Dawan, Best Leading Actress (Musical or Revue) for her performance in Aida, produced by bailiwick Chicago
 Best Leading Actress in a Musical, E. Faye Butler in "Black Pearl Sings" with Susie McMonagle.
|
 |
The
Lena Horne Award
Lena Horne (1917 - 2010), actress and singer.
Lena broke boundaries in film and theatre as an actress in the 1940's.
Lena Horne received a special Tony Award in 1981 for distinguished
achievement in theatre for her one-woman Broadway hit Lena Horne:
The Lady and her Music. |
YEAR |
Best Leading Actress In A Play(Musical or
Revue) |
1995 |
Kelli Rich - Doo Wop Shoo Bop - The Black
Ensemble Theater |
1996 |
Roxiana Fugua - Me And Miss D. - The Black
Ensemble Theater |
1997 |
Somatta McKeever - The Divine One(A Sarah
Vaughan Revue) - The Black Ensemble Theater |
1998 |
Audrey Queen Roy - Wang Dang Doodle(The Life
Story of KoKo Taylor - The Black Ensemble Theater |
2000 |
E. Faye Butler - Dinah Was - Northlight
Theatre |
2002 |
Atia Austin - Under Your Spell: A Tribute To
Phyllis Hyman - Legacy Cultural Theater |
2003 |
Joyce Faison - Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill - The Chicago Theater Company
|
2004 |
Ernestine Jackson - Cookin' at The Cookery: The Life and Times of Alberta Hunter - Northlight Theatre
|
2007 |
Vikki Omega Stokes - Don't Shed A Tear: The Story of Billie Holiday - Black Ensemble Theater
|
2008 |
E. Faye Butler - Ella - Northlight
|
2009 |
Melanie Brezill - Once On This Island - Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago
|
2010 |
Rashada Dawan - Aida - bailwick Chicago
|
2012 |
E. Faye Butler - Black Pearl Sings - Northlight Theatre
|
2013 |
Alexis J. Rogers - Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Porchlight Theatre
|
|
(Lto R): Anthony Irons and Ericka Ratcliff (Best Featured Actress in a play) in a scene from "The African Company presents Richard III".
 Best Featured Actress In A Play (Drama or Comedy) Cynthia Kaye McWilliams and Taj McCord in a scene from "The First Breeze of Summer". Produced by Court Theatre.
|
 |
The Hattie McDaniel Award
Hattie McDaniel (1895 - 1952), the first African
American to receive an Academy Award in 1939, for her performance
in the classic film Gone With The Wind. |
YEAR |
Best Featured Actress In A Play(Drama or
Comedy) |
1995 |
Lisa Biggs - Faith And The Good Thing -
The Chicago Theatre Company |
1996 |
E. Faye Butler - Crumbs From The Table Of
Joy - Steppenwolf Theatre |
1997 |
Tie - Felicia Fields - Ma Rainey's
Black Bottom - The Goodman Theatre
& Paulette McDaniels ”“
Flyin' West - Onyx Theatre Ensemble |
1998 |
Bridgett R. Williams - Lifting - eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
1999 |
Celeste Williams - Eastville - Writers
Theater Chicago |
2000 |
LeShay Tomlinson - Knock Me A Kiss -
Victory Gardens Theater |
2001 |
Ira Carol McGill - Before It Hits Home -
Congo Square Theatre Company |
2002 |
Taron Patton - From The Mississippi Delta
- Congo Square Theatre Company |
2003 |
Chavez Ravine - Daughters of the Mock - Congo Square Theatre Company
|
2004 |
Inda Craig-Galvan - Sundown Names And Night Gone Things - The Chicago Theatre Co. |
2005 |
TaRon Patton - Seven Guitars - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2006 |
TIE - Ella Joyce - Crumbs From The Table Of Joy - The Goodman Theatre
&
Nikki E. Walker - The Dreams of Sarah
Breedlove - Goodman Theatre |
2007 |
Ericka Ratcliff - The African Company Presents Richard lll - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2008 |
Cynthia Kaye McWilliams - The First Breeze of Summer - Court Theatre |
2009 |
Condola Phyleia Rashad - Ruined - The Goodman Theatre |
2010 |
Alexis J. Rogers - The Old Settler - Writers Theater |
2011 |
Celeste Williams – Tree – Victory Gardens Theater |
2012 |
Tamberla Perry – Race – The Goodman Theatre |
2013 |
Ebony Joy – Ceremonies In Dark Old Man – eta |
Janice Lorraine, Best
Featured Actress in a Play(Musical or Revue) for her performance in "Cookin at the Cookery: The Life and Times of Alberta Hunter", produced by Northlight Theatre.
Adrianna Parson - center - Best Featured Actress(Musical or Revue) for her performance in Aida, produced by bailiwick
|
 |
The
Eartha Kitt AwardEartha Kitt (1928 - 2008), started out as a dancer with the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe. Eartha then branched out to a luminous career in theatre, film, and t.v. |
YEAR |
Best Featured Actress In A Play(Musical or
Revue) |
1995 |
Cynthia Jackson - Get Ready - eta Creative
Arts Foundation |
1996 |
Greta Oglesby - Train Is Comin' - The
Chicago Theatre Company |
1997 |
Sue Conway - This Far By Faith - eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
1998 |
Tonya Pinkins - Play On! - The Goodman
Theatre |
2000 |
Carla Hargrove - Dinah Was - Northlight
Theater |
2003 |
Stephanie Booth - Howlin' At The Moon - The Black Ensemble Theater
|
2004 |
Janice Lorraine - Cookin' at The Cookery: The Life and Times of Alberta Hunter - Northlight Theatre
|
2007 |
Bethany Thomas - The Life - Bohemian Theatre Company
|
2008 |
Monique Desiree - The Wiz - Jedlicka Performing Arts Center
|
2009 |
Laura E. Walls - Sanctified - Congo Square Theatre Company
|
2010 |
Adrianna Parson - Aida - bailiwick Chicago
|
2012 |
MarKetta Wilder - Crowns - The Goodman Theatre
|
2013 |
Dawn Bless - One Name Only - Black Ensemble Theater
|
 (L to R) Johathan Keaton (Best Actor In An Ensemble) and Eddie Jordan III in the Apollo Morrocco scene from "Blaxploitation 2".
 (L to R) Glenn Davis, Best Actor in an Ensemble for his performance in "The Brother/Sister Plays", with Phillip James Brannon, and K. Todd Freeman, produced by Steppenwolf Theater Company
|
 |
The Harry Belafonte AwardHarry Belafonte (1927 - Present), born in New York City. Actor, Singer, and Political Activist. Starred on broadway, had a very successful million-selling recording career. Won an Emmy Award for his television special An Evening With Harry Belafonte. |
YEAR |
Best Performance In An Ensemble (Actor)
|
1995 |
Adrian Byrd - The Little Tommy Parker's
Celebrated Colored Minstrel Show - The Chicago Theatre
Company |
1996 |
Tie - Earl Fox - The Trial of One Short
Sighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Louise and Safreeta Mae - eta
Creative Arts Foundation
& Michael Williams - East Texas
Hotlinks - Onyx Theatre |
1997 |
Tie - Daniel J. Bryant - Do Lord
Remember Me - The Chicago Theatre Company
& Clifton Williams -
The Death of The Black Jesus - The Chicago Theatre
Company |
1998 |
Craig Boyd - Let Me Live - Goodman
Studio/Onyx Theatre |
1999 |
Woody Bolar - Pill Hill - The Chicago
Theatre Company |
2006 |
Allen Gilmore - Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine - Next Theatre Company |
2007 |
Jonathan Keaton - Blaxploitation 2 - MPAACT |
2008 |
Ron Conner - The Talented Tenth - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2009 |
Kelvin Roston, Jr. - Pill Hill - eta Creative Arts Foundation |
2010 |
Glenn Davis - The Brother/Sister Plays - Steppenwolf Theatre Company |
2012 |
Earl Alphonso Fox - Sweet Home - MPAACT |
|

Alana Arenas, Best Actress in an Ensemble for her performance in "The Brother/Sister Plays", produced by Steppenwolf Theater.

(L to R) Best Actress in an Ensemble Patrese McClain with Chris Boykin in "Spunk", produced by Court Theater.
|
 |
The Ethel Waters AwardEthel Waters (1896 - 1977), singer and actress. Started her career in the black vaudeville circuit, became known as "Sweet Mama Stringbean". A broadway recording and film star, who received 2 Academy Award nominations in 1949 for Pinky and in 1951 for A Member of the Wedding. |
YEAR |
Best Performance In An Ensemble
(Actress) |
1995 |
Taron C. Patton - Stoops - eta Creative
Arts Foundation |
1996 |
Linda Marie Bright - Home - The Chicago
Theatre Company |
1997 |
Greta Oglesby - Do Lord Remember Me -
Congo Square Theatre Company |
1998 |
Kimberly He'bert ”“ Shakin' The Mess
Outta Misery - The Chicago Theatre Company |
1999 |
Margo Moorer - Oo-Bla-Dee - The Goodman
Theatre |
2006 |
Jacqueline Williams - Fabulation, or The Re-Education of Undine - Next Theatre Company |
2007 |
Tamberla Perry - Blaxploitation 2 - MPAACT |
2008 |
Charlette Speigner - Gee's Bend - Northlight |
2009 |
Carla Stillwell - Radical Hearsay...Stories at Sixty One - MPAACT |
2010 |
Alana Arenas - The Brother/Sister Plays - Steppenwolf Theatre Company |
2012 |
Patrese D. McClain - Spunk - Court Theatre |
|
|
 |
The Denzel Washington Award
Denzel Washington (December 28, 1954 ”“ Present), Mr. Washington made his professional acting debut in the 1977 made-for-television movie Wilma. His big break came in the movie Carbon Copy (1981). He co-starred in the television series St. Elsewhere from 1982 to 1988. Some of his film credits include A Soldier's Play, Cry Freedom, Glory, Malcolm X, Philadelphia, Training Day, American Gangster just to name a few. Mr. Washington has been awarded two Academy Awards for his film acting. |
YEAR |
Most Promising Actor |
1999 |
Francois Battiste |
2006 |
Corey Cantrell |
2007 |
Keir Thirus |
2008 |
Phillip James Brannon |
2009 |
Michael Bartlett |
2010 |
Scott Baity, Jr. |
2011 |
Wardell Julius Clark |
2012 |
Preston Tate, Jr. |
2013 |
Brian Keys |
|
|
 |
The Phylicia Rashad Award
Phylicia Rashad (June 19, 1948 ”“ Present), Ms. Rashad is a Tony Award winning actress, best known for her role as Clair Huxtable in the 1980's television series The Cosby Show. Ms. Rashad's early stage credits begin with The Negro Ensemble Company. Her broadway credits include The Wiz, Dreamgirls, and A Raisin In The Sun. In 2004, Ms. Rashad became the first African American actress to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play, for her role in the revival of A Raisin In The Sun. |
YEAR |
Most Promising Actress |
1999 |
LeShay Thomlinson |
2006 |
Corvet Williams |
2007 |
Genn Jackson |
2008 |
Kristy Johnson |
2009 |
Ashlee Olivia |
2010 |
Ashleigh LaThrop |
2011 |
Christina Harper |
2012 |
Ninah Snipes |
2013 |
Joshlyn Camille Lomax |
|

Jacques C. Smith, Best Performance By An Actor In A Musical for his performance in "Purlie"
Produced by The Goodman Theatre.

Yahdina U'Deen - Best Performance By An Actress In A Musical in "Nina Simone: The High Priestess Speaks." Produced by the
Black Ensemble Theater. |
|
The Ben Vereen Award
Ben Vereen (October 10, 1946 ”“ Present), is an American actor, dancer, and singer. Mr. Vereen graduated from Manhattan's High School of the Performing Arts. He was nominated for a Tony Award for Jesus Christ Superstar in 1972, and won a Tony Award for his performance in Pippin in 1973. Notable film roles include Funny Lady and All That Jazz, but is probably best known for his role as Chicken George Moore in Roots. Did you know that Mr. Vereen was originally considered for the role of The Scarecrow in The Wiz. |
YEAR |
Best Performance By An Actor In A Musical
|
1999 |
Brian E. Smith - One Mo' Time - Fleetwood
Jourdain Theatre |
2005 |
Rueben Echols - At Last: A Tribute To Etta James - The Black Ensemble Theater |
2006 |
Jacques C. Smith - Purlie - The Goodman Theatre |
 |
The Diahann Carroll AwardDiahann Carroll (1935-Present) - Diahann Carroll is by far one of our most revered
celebrities. She is an artist who has excelled in every genre of the entertainment
industry. She won a Tony Award in 1962 for her performance in "No Strings", an Oscar
nomination for "Claudine", and an Emmy nomination for the television show "Julia".
Diahann Carroll is a true trailblazer. |
YEAR |
Best Performance By An Actress In A Musical
|
1999 |
LaTonya Beachum ”“ Mahalia! - Black
Ensemble Theater |
2005 |
Yahdina U'Deen ”“ Somebody Say Amen: Great Women of Gospel ”“ The Black Ensemble Theater |
2006 |
Yhadina U'Deen - Nina Simone: The High Priestess Speaks - The Black Ensemble Theatre |
2011 |
Katrina V. Miller – All in Love is Fair – Black Ensemble Theatre |
|

Pictured: Pierre Lockett, Best Performance In A Music/Dance Concert (Resident)
for his performance in "Touch Me", produced by The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. |
The Sam Cooke Award |
|
Sam Cooke (January 22, 1931 ”“ December 11, 1964), was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be the pioneer and founder of soul music. Mr. Cooke had 29 Top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1965. Major hits "You Send Me",
"Chain Gang", "Wonderful World", "Bring It On Home To Me", and "A Change Is Gonna Come" are some of his most popular songs. He also took an active part in the American Civil Rights Movement. |
YEAR |
Best Performance In A Music/Dance Concert (Resident) |
1998 |
Amaniyea Payne - Fat Tuesday And All That
Jazz - Muntu Dance Theater |
1999 |
Pierre Lockett - Touch Me - The Joffrey
Ballet of Chicago |
2001 |
Sarita Smith Childs - Shanequa's World -
Dance Chicago 2000 |
2002 |
Oscar Triple Blak Lester - Something
About Africa - Najwa Dance Corp. |
2003 |
Jimmy Payne, Jr. - Dedication To My Father - Dance Chicago 2002
|
2004 |
Oscar "Triple Blak" Lester - "What If Jesus Came Back" - Najwa Dance Corp.
|
2005 |
Armen Ra - Chains and Whips from Tell It Like it Is - Najwa Dance Corps
|
2007 |
Brotha Blanks - The Burning Bush - Najwa Dance Corps
|
2008 |
Eugene Peabody - brink of nada - Dance Chicago 2007
|
|


Omphile Molusi, Best Actor(Non-Resident) in a scene from "Itsoseng", produced by Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
|
 |
The Andre' DeShields Award
Andre' DeShields (January 12, 1946 ”“ Present), Mr. De Shields graduated from The University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. degree and received a Masters of Arts Degree from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study where he presently serves as Adjunct Professor. In 1975, De Shields was cast in the title role of The Wiz. Additional Broadway credits include Ain't Misbehavin', the Duke Ellington Revue Play On!, The Full Monty, and Pymate. DeShields won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Achievement for his performance in the 1982, NBC broadcast of Ain't Misbehavin'. |
YEAR |
Best Performance In A Play or Music/Dance Concert (Non-Resident) |
1996 |
Lizan Mitchell - Having Our Say - Briar
Street Theater |
1997 |
Jasmine Guy - Chicago - Frankel
Productions |
1997 |
Darrian Ford- Smokey Joe's Cafe - Shubert
Theater |
1998 |
Vickilyn Reynolds - Bring In The Noise, Bring
In The Funk - Shubert Theater |
1999 |
Hinton Battle - Ragtime - Livent,
Inc. |
1999 |
Stephanie Mills - Ragtime - Livent,
Inc. |
2001 |
Savion Glover - Foot Notes:The Concert -
Columbia Artists Theatricals/ Maniacter, Inc. |
2002 |
Victor Trent Cook, Rodrick Dixon and Thomas Young
- Three Mo' Tenors - Theatricals
Concepts |
2003 |
Savion Glover - Bring In Da' Noise, Bring In Da' Funk - Columbia Artists Theatricals |
2005 |
DeWayne L. Woods - Sing Hallelujah! - Passion Productions |
2008 |
Clifton Brown - Firebird - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
|
2008 |
Corey Glover - Jesus Christ Superstar - Nicholas Howey for Troikastor, LLC |
2009 |
Lester Lynch - Porgy and Bess - Lyric Opera of Chicago
|
2010 |
Omphile Molusi - Itsoseng - Chicago Shakespeare Theater
|
2012 |
Sahr Nqaujah - Fela! - Nederlander Productions
|
2013 |
Billy Porter- Kinky Boots - Broadway In Chicago
|
|
|
 |
The Bert Williams Award
Bert Williams (November 12, 1875 – March 4, 1922), was the pre-eminent black entertainer of his era and one of the most popular comedians for all audiences of his time. He was by far the best-selling black recording artist before 1920. Williams was a key figure in the development of African American music. In an era when racial inequality and stereotyping were an accepted part of life, he became the first African American to take a lead role on the Broadway stage. W.C. Fields described him as ”the funniest man I ever saw, and the saddest man I ever knew.” |
YEAR |
Best Solo Performance in a Play |
2008 |
Nilaja Sun No Child..... Lookingglass |
2010 |
E. Patrick Johnson - Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South - Columbia College Chicago and About Face Theatre |
2012 |
Daniel Beaty - Emergency - The National Public Housing Museum and The DuSable Museum of Africa American History |
|
|
 |
The Duke Ellington Award
Edward Kennedy (Duke) Ellington (1899 - 1975),
was one of America's greatest composers. An orchestra leader, pianist,
and composer, he wrote more than 2,000 works, most notable ones
are; Mood Indigo, Solitude, and Sophisticated Ladies. |
YEAR |
Best Musical Direction |
1995 |
Jimmy Tillman - Doo Wop Shoo Bop - Black
Ensemble Theater |
1996 |
George Paco Patterson, Jimmy Tillman, and Tom Tom
99 ”“Sammy: The Sammy Davis, Jr. Story - The Black Ensemble
Theater |
1997 |
Jimmy Tillman - The Otis Redding Story -
The Black Ensemble Theater |
1998 |
Luther Henderson - Play On! - The Goodman
Theatre |
1999 |
Coleridge Taylor-Perkinson- Oo-Bla-Dee -
The Goodman Theatre |
2000 |
Garrett David Cope - Purlie - Heads Like
Bricks Productions |
2001 |
Ron Walters Jr. - Could It Be Magic... -
Mercury Theater |
2003 |
Jimmy Tillman - Howlin' At The Moon - The Black Ensemble Theater
|
2004 |
Robert Reddrick - The House That Rocked - The Black Ensemble Theatre
|
2005 |
Robert Reddrick - At Last: A Tribute To Etta James - The Black Ensemble Theater
|
2006 |
Jimmy Tillman - Nina Simone: The High Priestess Speaks - The Black Ensemble Theater
|
2007 |
Jimmy Tillman - Memphis Soul:The Story of Stax Records - Black Ensemble Theater
|
2008 |
Jimmy Tillman - Sounds So Good Makes You Wanna Holler - Old School vs. Nu Skool - Black Ensemble Theater
|
2009 |
Jaret Williams - Sanctified - Congo Square Theatre Company
|
2010 |
Sean Sykes - The Colored Museum - Congo Square Theatre Company
|
2011 |
Robert Reddrick – All in Love is Fair – Black Ensemble Theater
|
2012 |
Phil Patterson – The Color Purple – J Ruffin Entertainment
|
2013 |
Eric Troy – Clara – Open Door Repertory Company
|
|
|
 |
The Scott Joplin Award
Scott Joplin (1867 - 1917), a composer. Born in
Linden, Texas, and known as "the king of ragtime", wrote and published
some 60 compositions. His composition of The Entertainer,
was used as the theme in the Academy Award winning film The Sting. |
YEAR |
Best Original Song |
1995 |
Success - from Steppers Ball
written By Phyllis Curtwright - eta Creative Arts
Foundation |
1996 |
No Award Given. |
1997 |
No Time To Give Up - from This Far By
Faith, written by Marylene Whitehead and Rufus Hill - eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
1998 |
Will There Ever Be A Bronzeville For Me
from Don't Get Around Much Anymore, written by Vince Willis
and Okoro Harold Johnson - eta Creative Arts Foundation |
1999 |
Thank You For Today from Sing Sister
Sing, written by Walter Thomas - eta Creative Arts
Foundation |
2003 |
The Battlefield of Love from Kiwi Black, written by Poh'ro - MPAACT
|
|

Derick K. Grant in ”Imagine Tap”. Produced by Great Lake Productions and Cari Shein
|
The Katherine Dunham and Alvin Ailey Award |
 |
Katherine Dunham (1909 - 2006), dancer
and choreographer. Born in Chicago, Illinois called the matriarch
of black dance and introduced groundbreaking forms of movement.
Appeared in and choreographed the stage and film versions of Cabin
In The Sky. |
 |
Alvin Ailey (1931 - 1989), dancer and choreographer.
Born in Rogers, Texas, a highly respected choreographer, studied
under Katherine Dunham and Lester Horton. Formed the Alvin Ailey
Dance Company in 1959. Choreographed more than 50 ballets, most
notable are Revelations and Cry. |
YEAR |
Best Choreography In A Play or Music/Dance Concert |
1995 |
Kenny Ingram - Dreamgirls - Marriott's
Lincolnshire Theatre |
1996 |
Kevin Iega Jeff - Church Of Nations -
Deeply Rooted Productions |
1997 |
Eva D. and Jackie Taylor - The Otis Redding
Story - Black Ensemble Theatre |
1997 |
Joel Hall and Nancy Teinowitz - Nuts and
Bolts - Joel Hall Dancers |
1998 |
Mercedes Ellington - Play On! - The
Goodman Theatre |
1998 |
Arthur Hall and Amaniyea Payne - Fat Tuesday
And All That Jazz - Muntu Dance Theater |
1999 |
Talley Beatty (Posthumously) - Month Of Sundays - Dance
Chicago '98 |
1999 |
Randy Duncan - Can't Take This Away -
Dance Chicago '98 |
1999 |
Geoffrey Holder - The Prodigal Prince -
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre |
2000 |
Joel Hall - Y2 Day - Dance Chicago '99 |
2000 |
Randy Duncan - Once On This Island - Apple
Tree Theater |
2000 |
Ron K. Brown - Grace - Alvin Ailey
American Dance Theater |
2001 |
Van Collins - 3/5 - Dance Chicago
2000 |
2001 |
Rennie Harris - Rome and Jewels - MCA
Performances |
2002 |
Christopher Huggins - Enemy Behind The
Gates ”“ Philadanco! |
2002 |
Gary Abbott and Kevin Iega Jeff - Move! -
Deeply Rooted Productions |
2003 |
Lisa Johnson - Willingham - New Beginnings, Overcoming Old Lessons - Dance Chicago 2002
|
2003 |
Garth Fagan - The Lion King - Disney
|
2004 |
Ray Mercer - That Anticipatory Feeling - Dance Chicago 2003 |
2004 |
Alvin Ailey(posthumously)- Night Creature - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater |
2005 |
Mike Malone - Black Nativity - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2005 |
Robert Battle, Rennie Harris and Judith Jamison - Love Stories - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater |
2006 |
Christopher M. McCray - Ghost Play - Chicago Dance Crash |
2006 |
Derick K. Grant - Imagine Tap - Great Lake Productions, Inc., Imagine Tap Company LLC and Cari Shein |
2006 |
Kenneth Lee Roberson - Purlie - Goodman Theatre |
2007 |
Lisa Johnson Willingham - Trouble The Water - MPAACT |
2007 |
Idy Ciss - Dekkal Thiossane (Rebirth of Culture) - Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago |
2007 |
George Faison - If This Hat Could Talk - Van Jo Productions and West Vision Entertainment |
2008 |
Christopher Huggins - Pyrokenesis - - Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago |
2008 |
Diedre Dawkins & Kwame Opare - Suite Nina - Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago |
2008 |
Rueben Echoles- Sounds So Good Makes You Wanna Holler - Old School vs. Nu Skool - Black Ensemble Theater |
2009 |
Randy Duncan- Ruined - The Goodman Theatre |
2009 |
Andrea Kelly- A Tribute To The Memory and Music of Michael Jackson - Jira and Raw TV |
2009 |
Rennie Harris- Philadelphia Experiment - Jazz Dance World Congress |
2010 |
Gary Abbott- Desire - Deeply Rooted Productions |
2010 |
Matthew Rushing - Uptown - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater |
2011 |
Ronald K. Brown – Gye Nyame – Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago |
2012 |
Montina Chrisp and Davonna Edwards – The Color Purple – J Ruffin Entertainment |
2012 |
Bill T. Jones – Fela! – Nederlander Productions |
2013 |
Bril Barrett, Star Dixon, and Jumanne Taylor – Heartbreaks, Freestyles, Rhythm Symphonies, and an African Mailman – Chicago Human Rhythm Project. |
|
|
YEAR |
Best Lighting Design |
1995 |
Darryl Goodman, Sr. - Stoops - eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
1996 |
Darryl Goodman, Sr. - The Temple - eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
1997 |
Kathy A. Perkins- Seeking The Genesis -
The Goodman Studio |
1998 |
Kathy A. Perkins - Let Me Live -
Goodman/Onyx |
1999 |
Denise Karczewski - Indigo Blues - The
Black Ensemble Theater |
2002 |
Kathy A. Perkins - From The Mississippi
Delta - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2003 |
Edith Jones - Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - The Chicago Theater Company |
2004 |
Darryl Goodman, Sr. - Eyes - eta |
2005 |
Kathy Perkins - Black Nativity - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2006 |
Benny Gomes - Deep Azure - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2007 |
Arthur Reese - Bedtime Story - eta Creative Arts Foundation |
2008 |
Shepsu Aakhu - Beneath A Dark Sky - MPAACT |
2009 |
Dustin L. Derry - Bride From The South - Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago |
2010 |
Kathy Perkins - Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South - Columbia College Chicago and About Face Theater |
2011 |
Casey Diers – Ghosts of Atwood – MPAACT |
2012 |
Casey Diers – Speaking In Tongues: The Chronicles of Babel – MPAACT |
2013 |
Denise Karczewski – One Name Only – Black Ensemble Theater |
|
|
|
YEAR |
Outstanding Technical Design |
2001 |
Gwen Godwin - Stereotyped - Dance Chicago
2000 |
|
|
 |
The Ruth E. Carter Award
Ruth E. Carter, is a Hampton University graduate with over 44 costume design credits to her name. Miss Carter's first design credits was Spike Lee's School Daze (1988). Ms. Carter went on in her career to receive 2 Academy Award nominations for Malcolm X (1992) and Amistad (1997). |
YEAR |
Best Costume Design |
1995 |
Michael Alan Stein - Stoops - eta Creative
Arts Foundation |
1996 |
Vaune Blalock and Harry Detry - Woloba -
Muntu Dance Theatre |
1997 |
Vaune Blalock - Rites and Rituals - Muntu
Dance Theatre |
1998 |
Vaune Blalock and Amaniyea Payne - Fat Tuesday
And All That Jazz - Muntu Dance Theatre |
1999 |
Ouinton de Alexander - Song Diva - Q and E
Productions |
2000 |
Birgit Rattenborg Wise- Knock Me A Kiss -
Victory Gardens Theater |
2001 |
Karen L. Wells - Every Time I Feel The
Spirit - Pegasus Players |
2003 |
Virgil C. Sanner - The Jackie Wilson Story - The Black Ensemble Theater
|
2004 |
Karen L. Wells - Sundown Names And Night Gone Things - The Chicago Theater Company |
2005 |
Christine Pascual - Seven Guitars - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2006 |
Paul Tazewell - Purlie - The Goodman Theatre |
2007 |
Christine Pascual - Joe Turner's Come And Gone - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2008 |
Michael Alan Stein - Nefertiti - A Concert of Music and Dance - Deeply Rooted Productions |
2009 |
Ari Fulton - Pill Hill - eta Creative Arts Foundation |
2010 |
Jacqueline Firkins - Ma' Rainey's Black Bottom - Court Theatre |
2011 |
Michael Alan Stein - The Nativity – Congo Square Theatre Company |
2012 |
Karen Perry - Crowns – The Goodman Theatre |
2013 |
June Saito - The Other Cinderella – Black Ensemble Theater |
|
|
YEAR |
Best Set Design |
1995 |
Dorian Sylvain - Stoops - eta Creative
Arts Foundation |
1996 |
Robert C. Martin - Unjustifiable Acts -
The Goodman Studio |
1997 |
Lori Fong ”“ Flyin' West - Onyx Theatre
Ensemble |
1998 |
Lori Fong - Let Me Live -
Goodman/Onyx |
1999 |
Robert C. Martin - The Dreamers - eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
2000 |
Heather Graff - Doo Lister's Blues - New
Onyx Theatre Company |
2002 |
Logan Shunmugam - Playboy Of The West
Indies - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2003 |
Reginald B. Wilson - Whispers Want To Holler - eta Creative Arts Foundation
|
2004 |
Patrick Kerwin - The House That Jack Built - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2005 |
Jack Magaw - Seven Guitars - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2006 |
Dustin Efrid - Stickfly - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2007 |
Reginald B. Wilson - Bedtime Story - eta Creative Arts Foundation |
2008 |
Nick Mozak - Elmina's Kitchen - Congo Square Theatre Company |
2009 |
Patrice Davidson - Leevee James - eta Creative Arts Foundation |
2010 |
John Culbert - Ma' Rainey's Black Bottom - Court Theatre |
2011 |
Shaun Renfro – Blues For An Alabama Sky – Greenetree Productions |
2012 |
Jessica Kuehnau – Speaking In Tongues: The Chronicles of Babel – MPAACT |
2013 |
Andrei Onegin – Bulrusher – Congo Square Theatre Company |
|
|
YEAR |
Best Sound Design |
1996 |
Ron White- Sammy: The Sammy Davis, Jr.
Story - The Black Ensemble Theater |
1997 |
Corbiere Boynes - Do Lord Remember Me -
The Chicago Theatre Company |
1998 |
Larry Nance - Shakin' The Mess Outta
Misery - The Chicago Theatre Company |
1999 |
Mark Anthony Thompson - A Huey P. Newton
Story - MCA Performances |
2003 |
Ministers of the New Super Heavy Funk - Kiwi Black - MPAACT
|
2004 |
Joseph Plummer - The State of Mississippi, And The Face of Emmett Till - Pegasus Players
|
2005 |
Joseph Plummer - Black Nativity - Congo Square Theater Company
|
2006 |
Chaos and Disorder - Blaxploitation: The Remix - MPAACT
|
2007 |
Chaos and Disorder - Blaxploitation 2 - MPAACT
|
2008 |
Ron White - Sounds So Good Makes You Wanna Holler - Old School vs. Nu Skool - Black Ensemble Theater
|
2009 |
Michael Herring - Drip - eta Creative Arts Foundation
|
2010 |
Mahmoud Khan - A Fool Such As I - eta Creative Arts Foundation
|
2011 |
Rick Sims – Brothers Of The Dust – Congo Square Theatre Company
|
2012 |
Sonita Surratt – dowaqer daughters of transcendence – eta Creative Arts Foundation
|
2013 |
Rick Sims – Bulrusher – Congo Square Theatre Company
|
|

Chuck Smith and André De Shields
|
Annually the Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc. presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to a special honoree who has achieved success or made significant contributions to theater, dance, film, and other mediums in the world of the performing arts.
YEAR |
Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees |
1995 |
Abena Joan Brown, Co-Founder and President of eta
Creative Arts Foundation |
1996 |
Jackie Taylor, Founder and Artistic Director of
the Black Ensemble Theater |
1997 |
Chuck Smith, Artistic Associate, The Goodman
Theatre |
1998 |
Val Gray Ward, Founder and Artistic Director of
Kuumba Theatre |
1999 |
Joel Hall, Founder and Artistic Director of The
Joel Hall Dancers |
2002 |
Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, Actor, Writer, and
Producer |
2003 |
Dr. Margaret Burroughs, Founder of The DuSable Museum of African American History
|
2003 |
Julian Swain, Legendary Actor, Dancer and Choreographer
|
2004 |
Runako Jahi - Artistic Director of eta Creative Foundation.
|
2005 |
André De Shields - Actor, Singer and Dancer
|
2006 |
Ben Vereen - Actor, Singer and Dancer
|
2007 |
Robert Hooks - Actor, Producer, and Political Activist
|
2008 |
Arthur Mitchell - Founder and Artistic Director of Dance Theater of Harlem
|
2009 |
Melba Moore - Actress and Recording Artist
|
2010 |
Richard Roundtree - Actor & Moviestar
|
|

Vincent Williams and Earl
Calloway |
At the Seventh Annual Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards, BTAA presented plaques to 10 Chicago personalities who have helped to promote African-Americans in the performing arts. BTAA inducted them as Millennium Honorees in a presentation held on Monday, September 17, 2001 at the DuSable Museum of African American History.
2001 BTAA Millennium Honorees |
Jerry Butler, R & B Legend and Commissioner
of Cook County |
Earl Calloway, Fine Arts Editor, The Chicago
Daily Defender |
Bill Campbell, Host of Chicagoing - Channel
7/WLS-TV |
Gloria Bond Clunie, Playwright in Residence,
Victory Gardens Theater |
Darryl Dennard, Host of Minority Business Report
and Chairperson of WKKC Radio |
Bonnie DeShong, Radio Personality,
WVAZ/V-103 |
Irma P. Hall, Theater and Film Actress, star of
"Soul Food" |
Najwa I, Founder, Choreographer and Artistic
Director of Najwa Dance Corps |
Vanessa Truvillion, Dancer and Business Manager,
The Joel Hall Dancers |
Walter Whitman, Founder and Director of The
Soul Children of Chicago |
|

Alderman Dorothy Tillman speaking.

The cast of One Name Only.

Andrei Onegin - holding his Best Set Design award.

Bril Barrett and Star Dixon holding awards for Best Choreography.

Eric Troy holding award for Best Musical Direction.

Brian Keys holding award for Most Promising Actor.

Joshlyn Camille Lomax holding award for Most Promising Actress.

Oba William King performing Spoken word at BTAAwards.

Dawn Bless holding her award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Robert Hardaway holding his award for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

Amos Ellis holding his award for Best Leading Actor in a Play.
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Vincent Williams and Jimilita Tillman hold Dael Orlandersmith's award for Best Leading Actress in a Play.

The crowd applauds Cassandra Bell as she makes her way to the stage.

Cassandra Bell holding her award for Best Direction of a Musical.

Actress, Playwright, Director - Regina Taylor presents.

Reginald Edmund and McKinley Johnson holding their awards for Best Writing of a Play.

Bryon Glenn Willis holding his award Best Leading Actor in a Musical with Vincent Williams BTAA President.

Oba William King with Vincent Williams, President of the Black Theater Alliance Awards.

Alexis Rogers, Vincent Williams, and Dawn Bless.

The cast of Clara holding their BTA Awards.

The cast of Ceremonies In Dark Old Men holding their BTA Awards.

Vaun Monroe holding his award for Best Direction of a Play.

Alexis Rogers holding her award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
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 (L to R): Cree Rankin of The Court Theatre, Alexis Rogers, Patrese McClain, Preston Tate, Jr., Manny Buckley, Davonna Edwards, Kelvin Roston, Jr., Sonita L. Surratt, and Vincent Williams, BTAA Founder and President.
 Best Actor in a Musical, Kelvin Roston, Jr.
 Best Featured Actor in a Drama, Manny Buckley.
 Best Leading Actor nominee Charles Gardner with friend, and Most Promising Actor nominee Lance Newton, Jr. with friend.
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 Most Promising Actor, Preston Tate, Jr. with Mom and Dad.
 Best Actress in an Ensemble, Patrese McClain.
 Best Sound Design winner, Sonita L. Surratt.
|
 Vincent Williams, Founder of BTAA Addresses the Audience
 Best Ensemble "The Trip"
 Reginald Lawrence of MPAACT accepts Best Lighting Design Award.
 Wardell Julius Clark accepts The Most Promising Actor Award.
 Darren Canady accepts Best Writing of a Play Award.
 Darlette McAlpin shows with pride her Best Writing of a Play Award.
 Osiris Khepera accepts his Best Featured Actor in a Musical Award.
 Daniel Bryant holds his BTA Award for Best Direction
 Lili-Anne Brown displays her Best Direction of a Musical Award
 Congo Square Theatre Company with BTA Award for Best Play of 2010-2011 Performing Arts Season.
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 The Cast of "The Trip" accepts Best Ensemble Award.
 Michael Alan Stein accepts Best Costume Design Award.
 Darryl Brooks accepts Best Musical Direction Award for Robert Reddrick.
 Christina Harper accepts The Most Promising Actress Award.
 Darren Canady Proudly Smiles.
 Austin Talley shows his Best Featured Actor in a Play Award.
 Kevin Mayes accepts for Jayson Brooks.
 Lili-Anne Brown at podium giving acceptance speech.
 Shanesia Davis holds with pride her Best Leading Actress in a Play Award.
 The DePaul University Theater School attends 17th Annual BTA Awards.
|
The 16th Annual
Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Illinois Institute of Technology
Photos by Isadore Howard
ihoward@mac.com
|
 Ashleigh LaThrop Most Promising Actress
 Mahmoud Khan Best Sound Design
 Gary Abbott Best Choreography(Resident)
 Alana Arenas walks to podium.
 E. Patrick Johnson accepts award for Best Solo Performance.
 Alexis Rogers happily walks to the stage to accept award.
 Adrian Dunn accepts award for Brandon Miller.
 Rashada Dawan accepts award for Best Actress in a Musical.
 Brandon Chandler accepts award for Best Actor in a Musical.
 Kamal Angelo Bolden accepts award for Best Actor in a Play.
 The Cast of "First Words" Aaron Carter(Play wright), Andre' Teamer, Reginald Lawrence(at microphone), Tina Marie Wright, Scott Baity, Jr. and Lanisa Federick.
 Actess, wandachristine accepts Best Direction award for Chuck Smith.
 Vincent Williams and Rashada Dawan
 Chike Johnson, Vincent Williams and Kamal Angelo Bolden
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 |
Scott Baity Jr. accepts Most Promising Actor.
 Sean Sykes Best Musical Direction
 Gary Abbott proudly holds award for Best Choreography
 Alana Arenas holds her award for Best Ensemble Actress.
 Adrianna Parson holds award for Best Featured Actress.
 Alexis Rogers holds award for photo.
 Dexter Zollicoter and Eric Monte for Best Writing of a Play.
 Rashada Dawan proudly holds award.
 Chike Johnson accepts award for Best Actor in a Play.
 The cast of "The Brother/Sister Play" (L to R) Alana Arenas, Ora Jones, Tamberla Perry, and Jeff Parker.
 "First Words" - MPAACT Proud Winners
 The BTAAwards Band Mark Multhrop, Tracy Baker, and Robert Reddrick.
 Vincent Williams and E. Patrick Johnson
 Vincent Williams and Alana Arenas
 The smiling cast of The Brother/Sister Plays hold the BTAAwards won on Monday, October 11, 2010.
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Board members: Deonne Wright, Michael Owens, and Valorie Harris

The Depaul University Theater School Table - Dean John Culbert

James Earl Jones II singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing"

Vincent Williams - President of The Black Theater Aliiance Awards, Inc.

LaDonna Tittle

Jaret Williams winning Best Musical Direction

Ann Douglas accepting for her husband Aaron Todd Douglas.

Michael Bartlett winning Most Promising Actor.

Ashlee Olivia winning Most Promising Actress.

Randy Duncan winning Best Choreography In A Play.

Kelvin Roston Jr. winning Best Performance In An Ensemble.

Jackie Taylor

Melba Moore accepting Lifetime Achievement Award.

Melba Moore walking through the crowd.

Laura Walls winning Best Featured Actress In A Musical.

Ellis Foster winning Best Featured Actor In A Musical.

Melanie Brezill winning Best Leadin Actress In a Musical.

Ronald Conner winning Best Leading Actor In A Play.

Derrick Sanders and the cast of "Sanctified". "Sandtified" won Best Musical Of The Year.

Jackie Taylor and Vincent Williams

Vincent Williams, Runako Jahi, and Greta Oglesby(Host)
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 |

Attendees arriving for BTA Awards.

Runako Jahi and George C. Stalling

Trophy Models - Mateo Smith and Jamila Turner - Depaul University Theater School Graduates.

Greta Oglesby - Host of The 15th Annual Black Theater Alliance / Ira Aldridge Awards.

Ari Fulton - winning Best Costume Design.

Dexter Zollicofer serves as presenter.

Norissa Pearson serves as a presenter.

An elated Ashlee Olivia

Caren Blackmore

Andrea Kelly winning Best Choreography In A Music / Dance Program.

Tamberla Perry accepts for Carla Stillwell.

Jackie Taylor and Melba Moore

Melba Moore singing "I Believe".

Melba Moore and Vincent Williams

The crowd stands-up for Ellis Foster.

Derrick Sanders winning Best Director of a Musical.

Renaedo Johnson winning Best Leading Actor in a Musical.

Commissioner Jerry Butler Presenting Best Musical and Best Play awards

Runako Jahi and the cast of "Pill Hill". Pill Hill won Best Play of the Year.

Ronald Conner, Vincent Williams and Melanie Brezill.
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Vincent Williams, President The Black Theater Alliance Awards

Deonne Wright, Secretary

Earl Calloway, Member

Table 7 - Enjoying Reception

Frances Wilkerson - Nominee

Joel Hall, Artistic Director of The Joel Hall Dancers and Center give Keynote Address

A very supportive BTAA crowd.

Keir Thirus, nominee serves as a presenter.

Michael Alan Stein accepting award for Best Costume Design.

Jackie Taylor's Victory Walk.

Rashawn Thompson accepts award.

Jon Michael Hill accepting award.

Karen Aldridge accepting award.

A big cheer for Rueben Echoles.

K. Todd Freeman serves as a presenter

Osiris Khepera serves as a presenter

Paunika Jones dancing "Firebird" in honor of Arthur Mitchell.

The BTAA Brothers with Arthur Mitchell (L to R): Homer Bryant, Arthur Mitchell, Vincent Williams, Joel Hall, Darryl Dennard, Runako Jahi, Kevin McILvaine, Earl Calloway, and unidentified.

"Sounds So Good-Makes You Wanna Holler" cast. Best Play (Musical or Revue) The Black Ensemble Theater.

Victoria Brady closes the BTA Awards with the song "Rise Up Sheperd And Follow."
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 |

2008 Table of Awards

Valorie Harris, Treasurer and Robert Barnett, Member
Toney Hall, Member, and Vincent Williams

Ifa Bayeza reads Program Book

Joslyn Jones, Nominee and Guest

Darryl Dennard, BTA Awards Host

Jon Michael Hill and K. Todd Freeman-Steppenwolf Brothers

Kristy Johnson accepting award for Most Promising Actress

Jackie Taylor accepting award for Best Writing of a Musical Play

Gary Abbott of Deeply Rooted Productions accepts Best Direction of a Musical Award for Kevin Iega Jeff.

Kashuna performs her comedy for the audience.

Ron Conner accepting award.

E. Faye Butler accepting award.

Rueben Echoles accepting award.

Kevin McILvaine accepting award.

Arthur Mitchell accepting The Lifetime Achievement Award.

Attendees view a career highlights montage about Arthur Mitchell's career.

(L to R): Homer Bryant, Arthur Mitchell, and Pierre Lockett.

Arthur Mitchell and Abena Joan Brown of eta Creative Arts Foundation, Inc.

Daniel Bryant, Taron Patton, Ron Conner, and Ray Baker Best Play (Drama or Comedy) "The Talented Tenth" Congo Square Theater Company.

James Vincent Meredith (James came to awards when ended after his rehearsal) and Vincent Williams.
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MORE PHOTOS
Black United Fund Of Illinois - Burrell Communications - City Arts - Columbia College Chicago - Department of Cultural Affairs -
Illinois Arts Council - Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee -
Pullman Bank - R.J. Dale Advertising - Target - The Guild
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Your support
will help to continue the mission, vision, and impact of the Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc.
To make a donation
contact: Vincent Williams, BTAA-President
Make check payable to:
The Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc. 412 East 43rd Street,
#305 Chicago, Illinois 60653 773-624-5729
All donations are tax
deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Email:
btaainc@hotmail.com
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