Contact Info:
Black Theater Alliance
Awards, Inc.
412 E. 43rd St. #305
Chicago, IL. 60653
773-624-5729
btaainc@hotmail.com

2014 BTAA Tickets •

2014 BTAA Nominees •

Robert Townsend Bio and     Interview •

Past Award Recipients •

Past Award Photos •

Vincent Williams
Founder/President

Aaron Young
Secretary

Elliott Scott
Treasurer

Robert Barnett
Norman Bolden
Lester Burrage

Herbert Allen
Glennon Grahame
Advisory Members

BTAA
The Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc.(BTAA) was founded in 1995, by Vincent Williams who serves as president of the organization. BTAA is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit entity, founded to honor African Americans who achieve excellence in theater, dance and all areas of the performing and technical arts in the Chicagoland area.

BTAA presents an annual awards ceremony, a professional upbeat program featuring performances from the nominated season.

BTAA's award statuette features a gold plated oval star mounted on a black marble base. According to BTAA founder and president Vincent Williams, "the star symbolizes excellence and the power of hope that our awardees give to our community, which is also represented by the black marble base." The categories of achievement range from performing to the technical aspects of theater. Also, BTAA administers an Award of Merit to a special honoree that has made a significant contribution to the world of the performing arts.

Click the play button below to watch video of the awards show.

Vincent Williams conceived and collaborated with David Barr and Mamie Till-Mobley in creating The State of Mississippi v. Emmett Till. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Vincent is an actor, singer and producer. As an actor, Vincent has performed in such plays as Godspell, Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wiz, Guys and Dolls, Applause, and Once On This Island. Vincent's stage manager credits are A Soldier's Play, The Amen Corner, Sophisticated Ladies, and One Monkey Don't Stop No Show. Vincent has earned a B.A. degree in Arts and Entertainment Media Management from Columbia College Chicago. Vincent has also served as a panel member for the Illinois Arts Council.

Vincent founded the Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc., in 1995 and has produced and presented an annual awards presentation to honor and recognize excellence by African American performing and technical artists in theater, dance and all areas of the performing arts. Vincent is the recipient of WKKC's Critic's Corner Fine Arts Award for his work with the Black Theater Alliance Awards. Inc.

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Ira Aldridge (b.1807-d.1867) is considered the first African American Shakespearean actor to become an accomplished actor in a foreign country. Ira Aldridge was born a free black man to poor parents in New York City, and developed an interest in rhetoric from the African Free School. Having been denied the opportunity to perform on a mainstream professional stage in the United States. Mr. Aldridge became the first of a long line of African American artist to immigrate to Europe to find outlets for their talents. He performed more than forty roles in his lifetime, including seven of Shakespeare's heroes, proving that a black man was capable of delivering a classic performance of the utmost standard. Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc., Founder and President, Vincent Williams states, "We are proud to name our awards after Ira Aldridge, he is a trailblazer, a man whose contributions were world renowned, and he should be remembered in the theater community."

You're Invited To Attend!

The 20th Annual Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards
Honoring African Americans in the performing arts in the Chicagoland area, and presenting Actor, Director, and Producer, Robert Townsend with The Black Theater Alliance Award of Merit.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2014
Time: 7:00pm - Reception; 8:00pm - Awards Presentation
Place: Roosevelt University
           The Beautiful Ganz Hall - 7th Floor
           430 South Michigan Avenue
           Chicago, Illinois 60605

Attire: Semi-formal

Tickets: $40.00 for BTAA Nominees; $60.00 for General Tickets.

To purchase tickets contact Vincent Williams at 773-624-5729. All tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, October 14, 2014, and Received in the mail. Tickets will not be sold the night of the 20th Annual Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards.

A Public Invited Event!

2014 BTA Award of Merit Honoree Robert Townsend

Robert Townsend Television Executive - Actor - Comedian - Writer - Director - Producer - Humanitarian

A passionate visionary and trailblazer, Hollywood Icon, Robert Townsend transcends any medium he touches. Whether he’s performing stand up, acting, writing, directing, producing, or running a television network, his magic and versatile talent is undeniable. A Hollywood-pioneer well ahead of his time, Townsend, a Chicago native is often referred to as one of the "Godfathers" of the Independent Film World.” With over 30 years in the business, he has made an indelible mark in Hollywood with an extensive list of credits.

Robert’s genius first revealed itself in elementary school. As a kid Robert was always fascinated with television, watching and studying it tirelessly, he began to practice acting out scenes and impersonating famous characters. At his school during a reading of Shakespeare’s Oedipus Rex he dazzled the class with his ability to transform effortlessly into character, as a result Robert’s remarkable versatile talent as a young actor was born and caught the attention of Chicago’s Experimental Bag Theatre. Robert made an unforgettable mark in his hometown of Chicago, where he went onto New York’s renown comedy club the Improvisation which initiated his career as a stand-up comedian. Then for Robert it was on to Hollywood, where he dabbled in a mixture of industries and found that with his versatile talent, he was able to adapt easily from being a comedian to a full-screen actor.

Robert’s first film appearance was in popular urban classic, “Coley High”. His break came while performing on various television comedy specials including “Rodney Dangerfield: It‘s Not Easy Bein Me” and “Uptown Comedy Express.” Although comedy had been his forte during the early part of his career, he knew he was destined to be on the big screen. He landed the role of a lifetime co-starring opposite Denzel Washington in “A Soldier’s Story”, and appeared with Diane Lane in “Streets of Fire” and Kevin Costner in “American Flyers”.

Once in Hollywood, seeing the difficulty Black Actors had and the lack of good work available in the film industry, left a burning desire for Robert to step behind the camera. With his acting career in high gear, Robert’s career took a turn for the best when Robert Townsend the “independent filmmaker” was born. He wanted to do something to fill this void and without formal film education or outside funding (he used his own credit cards to finance), Robert wrote, directed, produced and starred in his own first film. The result was the critically acclaimed “Hollywood Shuffle”, a satire, depicting the trials and tribulations of Black Actors in Hollywood. The success of this film forced “Hollywood” to recognize and appreciate the visionary versatile talent of “Robert Townsend”, tinseltown’s newest, talented actor and filmmaker.

Following the success of “Hollywood Shuffle,” film projects continued to pour in. He was soon directing Eddie Murphy in “Eddie Murphy Raw.” His next film endeavor was the inner-city fable: "The Meteor Man" that he also wrote, directed and starred in, was another huge success. The stellar cast included James Earl Jones, Bill Cosby, and Eddie Griffin. As a filmmaker, director and producer, his unbridled success continued.

The movie that landed Robert the credit of a lifetime was the popular tearjerker classic "The Five Heartbeats," a semi-autobiographical piece; reminiscent of the 60’s R & B male groups and the up’s and down’s of the music industry. This classic continues to be a favorite amongst audiences and one of the most talked about films in the industry. In between features, Robert created and produced his ground breaking Cable Ace award-winning “Partners in Crime” variety specials for HBO and highly praised “Townsend Television” for FOX television. He also created and starred in the WB Network hit series “The Parenthood”.

Townsend has made history by being nominated for over 30 NAACP Image Awards for film and television. At the 2001 NAACP Image Awards he directed three performers nominated in the best actor/actress category in three different films: Leon, for his role in NBC’s “Little Richard”; Alfre Woodard in the Showtime Movie “Holiday Heart” (which also garnered her a Golden Globe nomination) and Natalie Cole for her gripping self-portrayal in “Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story” (for which she won the coveted Image Award for best actress). Townsend continued to helm films for the small screen: Carmen: A Hip Hopera for MTV Films, starring Beyonce Knowles (one of the highest rated shows for MTV) and Image Award winner, 10,000 Black Men Named George for Showtime, a highly acclaimed period piece about the Pullman porter strike, starring Andre Braugher, and Charles Dutton.

Robert has worked with some of the top talent in Hollywood including: Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Alfre Woodard, Lou Gossett, Jr., Kennon Ivory Wayans and Chris Tucker, just to name a few and is responsible for discovering many of Hollywood’s A-List talent before they became household names. He is the mastermind behind many of Hollywood’s favorite and best-remembered movies and hit series. Robert’s body of work has been seen on MGM, Disney, Fox, NBC, HBO, WB and MTV.

While busy as a performer and filmmaker, Robert always makes time to participate in humanitarian efforts and speak to various organizations. As a longtime speaker for the United Negro College Fund and the NAACP, his concern for inner city youth takes him through out the country to inspire young people to follow their dreams. In addition, Robert shares his business expertise with various Fortune 500 companies. Townsend is also a spokesman for the Milken Family Fund an organization created to recognize outstanding educators in the country, and stress to children the importance of education and respect for teachers. He has traveled with The Milken Family Fund to Chicago, Boston, Sacramento, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Los Angeles to recognize deserving teachers and inspire and motive students around the country.

Although, he has many accolades but none are more important than his family. His four children are the center of his heart. Following in his footsteps, his 3 daughters; Grace, Sierra and Skylar aka "The T Unit". They have received their first TV credit for the "B5 Christmas Special" aired on the BFC, a concept they came up with and pitched to their father. Despite his demanding schedule, Robert makes sure he spends quality time with his son, Max and his three daughters. Time with Robert Townsend the dad is no ordinary experience, his children are Blessed with a father that makes every experience they have unique, creative, fun and sometimes very unpredictable...but one thing they can count on for sure is…. plenty of good times and a lot of love.

Always a pioneer Townsend took the helm as President and CEO of Production for The Black Family Channel (BFC) creating and spearheading production for BFC’s top rated shows. Where he ran the cable network for four years before it was sold to the Gospel Music Channel in the Spring of 2007. During his reign, he created unprecedented original programming for the network. Showing his unstoppable genius, in his short time as a television executive Townsend reached several milestones; he created over 15 new shows for the network with limited financing; of which two shows were nominated for a prestigious NAIMC Vision Award (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications), The Thou$and Dollar Bee and Lisa Knight and the Round Table), and he was voted one of the Most Influential Minorities in Cable by Cable World Magazine.

This versatile talent, is busy as ever, acting, directing and producing. Townsend has recently returned in front of the camera to star opposite Angela Bassett in the faith based film “Of Boys and Men”. He has also just completed directing Golden Globe winner Ving Rhames in a biopic about the troubled boxing legend Sonny Liston entitled “Phantom Punch”. Currently, Townsend is in the editing room putting the finishing touches on “Why We Laugh”, a comedy documentary on the history of African America Comedians from slavery to present, with interviews including such legends as Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory, Chris Rock and the Wayans. Never one to waste time Townsend is also writing a feature film and developing a new television sketch series that he will star in for the TBS Network. As a Hollywood Icon and Humanitarian, Townsend's mission is to create quality programming for everyone to enjoy and to create a classic body of work that would be timeless.

ROBERT TOWNSEND FILMOGRAPHY

The B5 Documentary (2006) DVD Release (executive producer)
Robert Townsend's Partners in Crime Next Generation (2005) (EP)
"Black College Talent Hour" (2004) TV Series (executive producer)
"Lisa Knight and the Round Table" (2004) TV Series (executive producer)
"Souled Out" (2004) TV Series (executive producer)
"Speaker's Box" (2004) TV Series (executive producer)
"Spoken" (2004) TV Series (executive producer)
"Thousand Dollar Bee" (2004) TV Series (executive producer)
Black Listed (2003)
I Was a Teenage Faust (2002) (TV) .... Mr. Five
Undercover Brother (2002) .... Mr. UB
Book of Love (2002)
10,000 Black Men Named George (2002) (TV)
Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001) (TV)
Holiday Heart (2000) (TV)
Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story (2000) (TV)
Soul Food (2000) TV Series
Little Richard (2000) (TV)
Up, Up, and Away! (2000) (TV) .... Jim/Bronze Eagle
Love Songs (1999) (TV) .... Champ (segment "A Love Song for Champ")
Jackie's Back! (1999) (TV) aka Jackie's Back: Portrait of a Diva (USA)
The 20th Century: From Behind Closed Doors (1999) (TV)
Fraternity Boys (1999)
The Taxman (1999) .... Peyton Cody
"Motown Live" (1998) TV Series .... Host (1998-1999)
Joseph's Gift (1998) .... James Saunders
Mercenary II: Thick & Thin (1997) (TV) .... Charlie Love
B*A*P*S (1997)
"The Parent 'Hood".. (1995-1999) TV Series .... Robert Peterson
"Bliss" (1995/I) (mini) TV Series .... Dr. Barry Sullivan
Townsend Television (1993) Television Series
The Meteor Man (1993) .... Jefferson Reed
The Carol Burnett Show" (1991) TV Series .... Skit characters
The Five Heartbeats (1991) .... Donald 'Duck' Matthews
The Best of Robert Townsend & His Partners in Crime (1991) (TV)
New Edition Past and Present (1989) (V)
The Mighty Quinn (1989) .... Maubee
That's Adequate (1989) .... Stand-up Comic
I'm Gonna Git You, Sucka (1988) (uncredited)
Hollywood Shuffle (1987) .... Bobby Taylor/Jasper/Speed/Sam Ace
Eddie Murphy Raw (1987) aka Raw (USA: short title)
"Amazing Stories" aka Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories
The 21-Inch Sun (1987) TV Episode .... Billy Burliss
Ratboy (1986) .... Manny
Odd Jobs (1986) .... Dwight aka Summer Jobs (USA) aka This End Up (USA)
American Flyers (1985) .... Jerome
A Soldier's Story (1984) .... Cpl. Ellis
Streets of Fire (1984) .... Lester, The Sorels
"M*A*S*H"
Bombshells (1982) TV Episode ....Patient
In Love with an Older Woman (1982) (TV)
Senior Trip (1981) (TV) ....Randy
Willie and Phil (1980) ....Thin Boy
Women at West Point (1979) (TV) ....Russell Baker
The Monkey Hu$tle (1976) (uncredited) ....Musician
Cooley High (1975) (uncredited) ....Basketball player in gym class

AWARD SHOWS & SPECIAL APPEARANCES

UNCF An Evening of Stars: Tribute to Stevie Wonder (2006) (TV)
The 20th IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2005) (TV)(presenter: Best Cinematography)
The Black Movie Awards (2005) (TV)
The Robin Harris Story
"Black in the 80s" (2005) (mini) TV Series
Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!! (2003) (TV)
Ax 'Em (2002) (V) (special thanks)
The Script (2002/I)
Casting for Glinda (2001) (V)
UNCF An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence (2001) (TV) Co-Host
Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light (2000) (TV) aka American Masters: Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light (USA: series title)
Jackie's Back! (1999) (TV) Portrait of a Diva (USA)
"Celebrity Profile" Diahann Carroll
"The Chris Rock Show" Episode #1.1 (1997) TV Episode
"The Rosie O'Donnell Show" (1997) TV Episode
"Great Drives" (1996) (mini) TV Series
The Comedy Hall of Fame (1994) (TV)
Apollo Theatre Hall of Fame (1994) (TV)
"Townsend Television" (1993) TV Series
A Party for Richard Pryor (1991) (TV)
Ray Charles: 50 Years in Music (1991) (TV)
"The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" aka The Best of Carson
The All New Mickey Mouse Club Go Party! (1991) TV Episode
"Saturday Night Live" Episode #3.7 (1990)
21st NAACP Image Awards (1989) (TV)
20th NAACP Image Awards (1988) (TV)
Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me (1986) (TV)

ROBERT TOWNSEND MILESTONES / ACCOLADES

Acclaimed Writer, Director Producer, Comedian and Television Executive
President & CEO of Production for The Black Family Channel
Member of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences
Boardmember of the Motion Picture Fund
Chairman of American Black Film Festival (ABFF)
Honorary Doctorate from Columbia College (Dr. Robert Townsend)
NAMIC Vision Award Nomination for Lisa Knight and The Round Table
Voted one of the Most Influential Minorities in Cable by Cable World Magazine
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) - Host and Presenter
NAACP Image Awards Films Nominated for over 30 NAACP Image Awards
GLAD Award for Holiday Heart Film
Carmen "HipHopera" One of highest rated films for MTV
Inducted The Dells into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
IFP Spirit Awards Presenter
BET Walk of Fame Host Honoring Luther and Patti Labelle
Chrysler Behind The Lens
2005 Grand Marshall for Moorehouse in Atlanta.

PHILANTHROPY

Urban League
NAACP
UNCF
Spokesperson for Milken Family Fund for Education
Fortune 500 Companies
Speaker at Colleges and schools around the country to inspire and motivate youth

16 questions for Robert Townsend

Vincent: What set you on your path to a life in Show Business?

Robert: I guess it was my fifth grade school teacher, Mr. James Reed, he was the first one to kind of believe in me, and see some talent in me on the Westside of Chicago, and I started with him as a kid. I started in theater at a place called X-Bag on the Southside of Chicago, and there was a guy there named Clarence Taylor and Pemon Rami they were the ones who mentored me and developed me and Chuck Smith, so I started in Highschool but those guys developed my talent. Chuck Smith was my first director with a play called Trecha Gramanon Is by Ira Rogers. That was my first experience.

Vincent: In Chicago your hometown how did you get involved with The Experimental Black Actors Guild (X-Bag) at such a young age? What was going on there? Discuss?

Robert: The way I got associated with X-Bag was that my mother knowing that I want to be an actor, and I wanted to get into the arts, and she enrolled me in acting classes at John Robert Powers modeling school they had an acting class that they started there, and I started taking acting classes at John Robert Powers, and they had a bulletin board with auditions on it, and there was an audition for a play at X-Bag, and so I went to the audition, and it was my very first audition, and I was really nervous, and I remember that I started to do some improvisation, and that’s when Chuck Smith and Ira Rogers gave me the part after I did my improv, and so it started after my first audition, and then after that I did 2-plays for X-Bag, and then I did 3-plays at Lemont Zeno Theater at The Better Boys Foundation on the Westside of Chicago. That’s how I started.

Vincent: The success of Hollywood Shuffle that film put you in pioneer status. What inspired you to create the film, and how did it feel making black film or film history?

Robert: Well, when I started Hollywood Shuffle came about because I was auditioning for such bad roles in Hollywood; you know all the stereotypical stuff, there was a lot of negative roles, and myself and a young comedian at the time Keenan Ivory Wayans, we were you know talking about how bad Hollywood was, but it was kind of funny that you have all these trained actors up for these really bad parts, so we decided we would make a movie about it, and I used my life savings to make the film, and then when I ran out of money I used credit cards, so the film became successful, but the story and how the film was made became a bigger part of the success story; but at that point no one had ever produce a movie with a credit card, so I used my credit cards, and I kind of figured it out, and it became a huge hit, and it launched me in Hollywood.

Vincent: A question about the future of African American film. Do you think there has been progression or regression?

Robert: I think in terms of where we are I think it’s the best of times and the worst of times. On one hand you had a lot of movies up for the Academy Awards. You had Twelve Years A Slave; you got The Butler; you got Fruitvale Station. A lot of movies came out, so you know you got a lot of content coming out, but you just want more. So you hope that it will continue. So that’s part of the dance in Hollywood.

Vincent: In comparing and contrasting theater, film, and television today. Please talk about the negative aspects or positive improvements over the past. Are there any?

Robert: I think that each genre requires a different discipline, I mean in theater real actors live and die on stage there’s no fake. You show up-you must know your lines, and you must be in the moment for the entire 2-hour play. I think with television it depends on who the writers are because television is not as well written, that is when I watch HBO Showtime, Netflicks they have shows that are really well-written, and the quality is really high. When you see a great movie it is so well-written with good creative concept and acting. With bigger films it is all about the directing and the creative team; but it’s all different stages as an actor and as an artist with different genres.

Vincent: Robert you have worked in all genres of the performing arts which is the most challenging and which is the most fulfilling? Why?

Robert: I love it all, but the one that I gravitate to is the stage. I haven’t been on stage for a long time, but right now I am writing a One-Man-Show about my life-everything that I have been through with Hollywood Shuffle, and everything, and I think to get on stage, you get an immediate response from the audience; you know you can hear laughter or if it’s dramatic you can hear people go “Ah”. There’s a real response, when you do a movie or television show you may never meet people. Like when seeing a movie like Holiday Heart and The Five Heartbeats, but I won’t ever meet them; but when you are doing it live it is an adrenaline rush and it is exciting.

7.	Vincent: Are there any actors/actresses with whom you have not worked with but would like to? Who are they?
	Robert: The only person that I want to work with that had said no to me, but he is like my god-father is Sidney Poitier. I am working with Bill Cosby right now. I’d love to work with Mr. Poitier, but he always say no to me, he says, “I only write books now”.

8.	Vincent: Is there a role or project that you rejected and now wish you didn’t?
	Robert: No, when I read something you know if it’s really good, I like it and I go for it, if it doesn’t speak to me I don’t really have any regrets.

9.	Vincent: What in your view makes a good director of theater and film?
	Robert: Any good director is how prepared he or she is; you have to have sensitivity for the material, and a sensitivity for the actors that you are working with, and your whole team. Really great directors are discovering the world as they are creating it, and they look to create the most authentic world.

10.	Vincent: What up and coming actresses, actors, directors, and producers do you admire? Why?
	Robert: I would say Ken Story, he directed Ride Along with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart; Ken did a really great job. I like the comedy of the comedians on television like Key and Peele and Dave Chappelle, those are the cats I really like.

11.

Vincent: What would you consider to be high points in your life?

Robert: A high point would be the first show I did at X-Bag Trecha Gramanon Is on that opening night and my mother was beaming and I felt at home in that little theater that was a high point and I felt I really belong somewhere.

Vincent: When was that?

I wanna say 1972/1973.
Also, when I did A Soldier’s Story with Denzel Washington, because we really got to do something special with that film. Lastly, Hollywood Shuffle because in terms of the things I have been able to do because of that film.

12.	Vincent: Who are the heroes in your life?
	Robert: My mother is definitely the hero of my life. Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Bob Marley. Different people for different reasons.

13.

Vincent: What motivates you?

Robert: I get motivated when I see people going through stuff, and I want to help them. So when I see people of color struggling, and going through changes. I create movies and television shows that hopefully will give them hope. Like the last movie I did In The Hive, it’s all about how do we stop the violence in the community with the gangs and all of that-so I get motivated by different things that I see that make me want to do something.

14.	Vincent: Do you believe in colorblind casting?
	Robert: I will say this it depends on the role. Colorblind casting can really work it just depends on the role, and whoever has been cast has that quality.

15.	Vincent: Do you have a pre-performance ritual? If so, what is it?
	Robert: I will warm-up, and do vocal exercises and stretch for about a half-an-hour before I perform, and I’ll spin around in a circle in a darkroom.

16.

Vincent: What project(s) are you currently working on?

Robert: Right now I am working on a television show with Bill Cosby. I am working on my One-Man-Show. And I have been in acting class with Ivana Chubbuck, who was the acting coach to Halle Berry when she won her Academy Award for Monster’s Ball, and Charlize Theron when she won her Academy Award for Monster. So I have been in acting class off and on with Ivana working on my One-Man-Show, and then I have a movie that’s coming out in September 2014 in limited release called Playing For Love. I wrote, directed and star in the film. It is a comedy about a Highschool basketball coach who falls in love with a single mother.


	The 20th Annual Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards Nominations Chicago, IL. --- The Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc. (BTAA) proudly announces nominations for The 20th Annual Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards Presentation. Theatrical and dance productions produced between August 1, 2013 through July 31, 2014 were eligible for this year’s nomination consideration. The awards program is a semi-formal affair, and will be presented on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Roosevelt University in Ganz Hall on the 7th floor, located at 430 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago, IL. There will be a reception beginning at 7pm; followed by the awards ceremony. Tickets are $40 – for BTAA nominees, and $60 – for general tickets. BTAA’s 2013-2014 performing arts season in Chicago accumulated to 45 productions that have been reviewed, and this season the content and outstanding performances all around is the reason for unusual more than 5 nominees in some of the acting categories. There are 5 Acting Categories that have 8 nominees They are: Best Leading Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy); Best Featured Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy); Best Featured Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy); Best Featured Actor in a Play (Musical or Revue); Best Featured Actress in a Play (Musical or Revue). 2 recipients will be announced in each of those categories the night of The 20th Annual BTA Awards. Deeming this year’s theme as The Year of The African American Performer. Scheduled to attend to receive The Black Theater Alliance Award of Merit is Chicago’s very own Robert Townsend. Robert was born and raised on Chicago’s westside, and in his teen years got involved with Chicago’s X-Bag Theatre, that later became The Chicago Theatre Company. Robert took his talents to New York and Los Angeles, and starred, directed, wrote, and produced such films as Hollywood Shuffle, The Five Heartbeats, A Soldier’s Story, and The Mighty Quinn just to name a few. Robert also was the star of the television series The Parent ‘Hood from 1995-1999. “Honoring Robert Townsend is a coming of circle selection in honoring African American Chicago born and raised talent, as so fitting that it is our 20th year anniversary, and I being the Founder and President of BTAA so very proud to present” says, Vincent Williams, BTAA-Founder and President. BTAA was founded to honor African Americans who achieve excellence in theater, dance and all other areas in the performing arts in the Chicagoland area. For more information about The Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc., and to read a complete list of the 2013-2014 BTAA nominees go to www.btaawards.org.
	The 20th BTA Awards Nominations: The Negro Ensemble Company Award Best Play (Drama or Comedy) King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company The Resurrection of Alice – eta Creative Arts Foundation Saviour? – eta Creative Arts Foundation Best Play (Musical or Revue) Chicago’s Golden Soul – Black Ensemble Theater Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theatre 47 The Marvelous Marvelettes – Black Ensemble Theater The Target Community Relations Award Best Ensemble Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago’s Golden Soul – Black Ensemble Theater The Gospel of Lovingkindness – Victory Gardens Theater King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Out Loud – eta Creative Arts Foundation The Lloyd Richards Award Best Direction of a Play (Drama or Comedy) Daniel Bryant – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Olivia Dawson – Out Loud – eta Creative Arts Foundation Ilesa Duncan – Blacula: Young, Black & Undead – Pegasus Ron OJ Parson – A Raisin In The Sun – TimeLine Theatre Company Chuck Smith – Pullman Porter Blues – Goodman Theatre The Oscar Brown, Jr. Award Best Direction of a Play (Musical or Revue) Lili-Anne Brown – Dessa Rose – Bailiwick Chicago Rueben Echoles – The Marvelous Marvelettes – Black Ensemble Theater John Ruffin – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theatre 47 Derrick Sanders – Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money – Chicago Children’s Theatre Jackie Taylor – Chicago’s Golden Soul – Black Ensemble Theater The Lorraine Hansberry Award Best Writing of a Play (Drama or Comedy) Olivia Dawson and Ray Proctor – Out Loud – eta Creative Arts Foundation Reginald Edmund – Blacula: Young, Black, & Undead – Pegasus Perri Gaffney – The Resurrection of Alice – eta Creative Arts Foundation Marcus Gardley – The Gospel of Lovingkindness – Victory Gardens Theater Tracey Scott Wilson – BUZZER – Goodman Theatre The August Wilson Award Best Writing of a Play (Musical or Revue) Rueben Echoles – Once Upon A People – Black Ensemble Theater Jackie Taylor – It’s All-Right To Have A Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield - Black Ensemble Theater Jimalita Tillman – Cooley High The Class Reunion – The Harold Washington Cultural Center Reginald Williams – The Marvelous Marvelettes – The Black Ensemble Theater The Sidney Poitier Award Best Leading Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) Ron Conner – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Charles Gardner - Blacula: Young, Black & Undead – Pegasus Jerod Haynes – A Raisin In The Sun – TimeLine Theatre Company Anthony Irons – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Eric Lynch – BUZZER – Goodman Theatre Parrish Morgan – Saviour? – eta Creative Arts Foundation The Ossie Davis Award Best Featured Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) (2 recipients will be announced) Brandon Greenhouse – Intimate Apparel – eclipse theatre company David Guiden – Out Loud – eta Creative Arts Foundation Michael Allen Harris – Ruined – eclipse theatre company Tosin Morohunfola – The Gospel Of Lovingkindness – Victory Gardens Theater Trinity Murdock – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Ernest Perry, Jr. – The Gospel Of Lovingkindness – Victory Gardens Theater Kelvin Roston, Jr. – detroit ’67 – Northlight Theatre Johnathan Wallace – Blacula: Young, Black & Undead – Pegasus The Sammy Davis, Jr. Award Best Leading Actor in a Play (Musical or Revue) Jonathan Butler-Duplessis – Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money – Chicago Children's Theatre Cecil Jones – It’s All-Right To Have A Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield - Black Ensemble Theater K.C. Lee – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Kelvin Roston, Jr. – One Hit Wonders – Black Ensemble Theater Reginald E. Torian, Sr. – It’s All-Right To Have A Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield – Black Ensemble Theater The Bill Bojangles Robinson Award Best Featured Actor in a Play (Musical or Revue) (2 recipients will be announced) Keithon Gipson – The Color Purple – The Mercury Theater Michael Kenady – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Donterrio Johnson – Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Porchlight Music Theatre Eric Lewis – Once Upon A People – Black Ensemble Theater Todd RaSean – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Lorenzo Rush, Jr. – Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Porchlight Music Theatre David L. Simmons – Chicago’s Golden Soul – Black Ensemble Theater Lawrence Williams – Chicago’s Golden Soul – Black Ensemble Theater The Ruby Dee Award Best Leading Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy) (2 recipients will be announced) Tyla Abercrumbie – detroit ’67 – Northlight Theatre Lisa Beasley – The Mountaintop – Court Theatre Cheryl Lynn Bruce – The Gospel of Lovingkindness – Victory Gardens Theater Perri Gaffney – The Resurrection of Alice – eta Creative Arts Foundation Melanie Loren – Out Loud – eta Creative Arts Foundation Greta Oglesby – A Raisin In The Sun – TimeLine Theatre Company Kelly Owens – Intimate Apparel – eclipse theatre company Taylar – Ruined – eclipse theatre company The Hattie McDaniel Award Best Featured Actress in a Play (Drama or Comedy) (2 recipients will be announced) Tiffany Addison – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company E. Faye Butler – Pullman Porter Blues – Goodman Theatre Mildred Marie Langford – A Raisin In The Sun – TimeLine Theatre Company Toni Martin – A Raisin In The Sun – TimeLine Theatre Company Taron Patton – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Brittney Love Smith – Ruined – eclipse theatre company Jacqueline Williams – The Gospel of Lovingkindness – Victory Gardens Theater Ebony Wimbs – Seven Guitars – Court Theatre The Lena Horne Award Best Leading Actress in a Play (Musical or Revue) Tashika Benson – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Sydney Charles – Dessa Rose – Bailiwick Chicago Claudia Cunningham – Once Upon A People – Black Ensemble Theater Trisha Jeffrey – The Color Purple – The Mercury Theater Jennifer Johnson – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Melanie McCullough – The Marvelous Marvelettes – Black Ensemble Theater The Eartha Kitt Award Best Featured Actress in a Play (Musical or Revue) (2 recipients will be announced) Robin K. DaSilva – Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Porchlight Music Theatre Sharriese Hamilton – Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Porchlight Music Theatre Jasondra Johnson – Dessa Rose – Bailiwick Chicago Alanna Taylor – The Marvelous Marvelettes – Black Ensemble Theater Adrienne Walker – The Color Purple – The Mercury Theater Lina Wass – Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Porchlight Music Theatre Aeriel Williams - Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Ta-Tynisa Wilson – Chicago’s Golden Soul – Black Ensemble Theater The Andre’ DeShields Award Best Performance in a Play (Non-Resident) Jarran Muse – Motown The Musical – Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, and Berry Gordy Clifton Oliver – Motown The Musical – Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, and Berry Gordy Allison Semmes – Motown The Musical – Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, and Berry Gordy Carla R. Stewart – Ghost The Musical – Troika Entertainment and Michael Coppel Producers Best Performance in a Dance Concert (Non-Resident) Kirven Douthit-Boyd – Chroma – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Vernard Gilmore – I Wanna Be Ready – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Rachel McLaren – Four Corners – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Matthew Rushing – Four Corners – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater The Denzel Washington Award Most Promising Actor Mark JP Hood David Guiden Tamarus Harvell Eric Lynch Aaron Norman Johnathan Wallace The Phylicia Rashad Award Most Promising Actress Nakia Allen Christa Bennett Celeste Cooper La’ Dreauna Johnson Allie Jones Krystal Mosley The Duke Ellington Award Best Musical Direction Sekou Conde & Jabulani Spraggins – Annual Black History Month Extravaganzza!!! – Najwa Dance Corps Jaret Landon – Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Porchlight Music Theatre Philip Patterson – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Robert Reddrick – Chicago’s Golden Soul – Black Ensemble Theater Clifton Robinson – Memories N’ Time – Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago The Ruth E. Carter Award Best Costume Design Belena Redmond – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Ruthanne Swanson – The Marvelous Marvelettes - Black Ensemble Theater Sharlet Webb – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Best Lighting Design Darryl Goodman, Sr. – The Resurrection of Alice – eta Creative Arts Foundation Denise Karczewski – The Marvelous Marvelettes – Black Ensemble Theater Richard Norwood – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Best Set Design Ann N. Davis – It’s All-Right To Have A Good Time: The Story of Curtis Mayfield: Black Ensemble Theater Moon Jung Kim – Dutchman – Definition Theatre Company Andrei Onegin – King Hedley II – Congo Square Theatre Company Best Sound Design Darryl Goodman, Sr. – The Resurrection of Alice – eta Creative Arts Foundation Christopher Kriz – Blacula: Young, Black, and Undead – Pegasus Aaron Quick – Once Upon A People – Black Ensemble Theater The Katherine Dunham Award Best Choreography in a Play Diadie Bathily – N’ Goron – Najwa Dance Corps Montina Chrisp – Dreamgirls – John Ruffin’s Theater 47 Rueben Echoles – Once Upon A People – Black Ensemble Theater Kevin Iega Jeff – Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money – Chicago Children’s Theatre Nicole Clarke-Springer – Hadiya – Deeply Rooted Dance Theater The Alvin Ailey Award Best Choreography in a Dance Concert (Non-Resident) Warren Adams & Patricia Wilcox – Motown The Musical – Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris, and Berry Gordy Producers Ronald K. Brown – Four Corners – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Bill T. Jones – D-Man In the Waters (Part 1) – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Reggie Wilson – Moses(es) – The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago Raphael Xavier – The Unofficial Guide to Audience Watching Performance – The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

Complete List of Black Theater Alliance Award Recipients
1995 to Present

The Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc. has decided to name each winning category
after our legendary African American performers who have paved the way in theater,
film, dance, and all areas of the performing arts, and who have also helped to break
down the barriers, and opened the doors in spite of extreme adversity for up and coming
artist of today to thrive and survive.

<![endif]>

Shepsu Aakhu's "Trouble The Water", produced by MPAACT

The cast of Congo Square Theatre Company's production of ”Joe Turners Come And Gone”.

(L to R) Scott Baity, Jr.(Most Promising Actor), Andre Teamer, and Tina Marie Wright in a scene from "First Words", produced by MPAACT, and written by Aaron Carter.

Brothers Of The Dust produced by Congo Square Theatre Company, and written by Darren Canady.

The Negro Ensemble Company Award In 1967, actor Robert Hooks, playwright Douglas Turner Ward, and theater manager Gerald Krone founded the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC), the catalyst for this project was the 1959 production of "A Raisin in the Sun". Prior to the 1960's there were virtually no outlets for the wealth of black theatrical talent in America. NEC was created to concentrate primarily on themes of black life. Since its founding the NEC has produced more than two hundred new plays among them; The River Niger, which won a Tony Award for Best Play of the Year in 1974 , A Soldiers Play, Zooman and the Sign, Ceremonies In Dark Old Men, Day of Absence, and The Dutchman.
YEAR	Best Play (Drama or Comedy)
1995	Stoops- eta Creative Arts Foundations
1996	Urban Transitions: Loose Blossoms! - eta Creative Arts Foundation
1997	Flyin' West - Onyx Theatre Ensemble
1998	Let Me Live - Goodman Studio/Onyx Theatre Ensemble
1999	The Dreamers - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2000	TIE - From Grassroots To Glory: The Anthology Of Gospel 2 - New Age Theater &The Journal of Ordinary Thought"- The Chicago Theater Company
2001	Before It Hits Home - Congo Square Theater Company

	Outstanding Stage Production
2002	Ali - Congo Square Theater Company
	Best Production (Drama or Comedy)
2003	Cut Flowers - The Chicago Theatre Company and The Noble Fool Theater Company
2004	SOST-MPAACT
2005	Seven Guitars ”“ Congo Square Theatre Company
2006	Stickfly ”“ Congo Square Theatre Company
2007	TIE - Joe Turner's Come And Gone - Congo Square Theatre Company & Trouble The Water ”“ MPAACT
2008	The Talented Tenth - Congo Square Theatre Company
2009	Pill Hill - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2010	First Words - MPAACT
2011	Brothers Of The Dust – Congo Square Theatre Company
2012	Bodies – MPAACT
2013	Ceremonies In Dark Old Man – eta

Cast of "Memphis Soul: The Story of Stax Records", produced by The Black Ensemble Theater.

The African Grove Theater Company Award was founded in 1820 by William Henry Brown and James Hewlett, and one of the first theater companies to approach the dramatic performing arts from an African American perspective. The company was first housed in a Tea Garden, and then in an old hospital in Manhattan. The first star players of The African Grove Theater were William Henry Brown, Ira Aldridge, and James Hewlett. With his theater company William Henry Brown wrote the first stage African American stage play in 1823 titled The Drama of King Shotaway. With the noted talent The African Grove Theater Company for 6 years became the most mainstream black theater of its time. Sadly, in 1826, The African Grove Theater Company was burned down without explanation..
YEAR	Best Play (Musical or Revue)
1995	Doo Wop Shoo Bop- Black Ensemble Theater
1996	Train Is Comin'- The Chicago Theater Company
1997	This Far By Faith - eta Creative Arts Foundation
1998	Chicago's Golden Soul - The Black Ensemble Theater
	Best Production (Musical or Revue)
2003	Howlin' At The Moon - The Black Ensemble Theater
2004	Eyes - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2005	At Last:A Tribute To Etta James - The Black Ensemble Theater
2006	Nina Simone: The High Priestess Speaks - The Black Ensemble Theater
2007	Memphis Soul: The Story of Stax Records - Black Ensemble Theater
2008	Sounds So Good Makes You Wanna Holler - Old School vs. Nu Skool - Black Ensemble Theater
2009	Sanctified - Congo Square Theatre Company
2012	The Color Purple - J Ruffin Entertainment

YEAR	Best Revival of a Play
1999	Train Is Comin'- The Chicago Theatre Company
2008	Good Black - eta Creative Arts Foundation

"An Evening of Deeply Rooted Dance featuring Roberta Flack". Pictured: Elaina Anderson - Deeply Rooted Productions.

YEAR	Best Music/Dance Concert
1999	An Evening of Deeply Rooted Dance featuring Roberta Flack- Deeply Rooted Productions

(L to R) Jacqueline Williams, Anthony Fleming-Best Featured Actor(Drama or Comedy), and A.C.Smith in "Fences". Directed by Ron OJ Parson.

Best Direction(Drama or Comedy)
Foster Williams, Alfred H. Wilson, J.J. McCormick, Ray Baker, and Taj McCord in August Wilson's "Jitney". Directed by Jonathan Wilson, and produced by Pegasus Players.

Phylicia Rashad's cast of Immediate Family, written by Paul Stovall, and produced by About Face Theater.

The Lloyd Richards Award Lloyd Richards (1923 - 2006), born in Toronto, Canada, directed A Raisin in the Sun (1959), and received a Tony Award for directing August Wilson's Fences. Was dean of the prestigious Yale University School of Drama from 1979 to 1991.

YEAR	Best Direction (Drama or Comedy)
1995	Runako Jahi - Stoops - eta Creative Arts Foundation
1996	Tazewell Thompson - Black Star Line - The Goodman Theatre
1997	Chuck Smith - Ma' Rainey's Black Bottom -The Goodman Theatre
1998	Jonathan Wilson - Coming Of The Hurricane - Organic Touchstone
1999	Marion McClinton - Jitney - The Goodman Theatre
2000	Charles Michael Moore - In The Wine Time - eta
2001	Anthony Amiri Edwards - Before It Hits Home - Congo Square Theater Company
2002	Cheryl Lynn Bruce - From The Mississippi Delta - Congo Square Theater Company
2003	Douglas Alan-Mann - Cut Flowers - The Chicago Theater Company and The Noble Fool Theater
2004	Derrick Sanders - The House That Jack Built - Congo Square Theatre Company
2005	Derrick Sanders - Seven Guitars - Congo Square Theatre Company
2006	Ron OJ Parson - Fences - Court Theater
2007	Derrick Sanders - Joe Turner's Come And Gone - Congo Square Theatre Company
2008	Jonathan Wilson - Jitney - Pegasus Players
2009	Aaron Todd Douglas - Pill Hill - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2010	Chuck Smith - First Words - MPAACT
2011	Daniel Bryant – Brothers Of The Dust – Congo Square Theatre Company
2012	Phylicia Rashad – Immediate Family – About Face Theater
2013	Vaun Monroe – Ceremonies In Dark Old Men – eta

The featured players of "Play On!" directed by Sheldon Epps, and produced by the Goodman Theatre.

The Oscar Brown Jr. Award

YEAR	Best Direction (Musical or Revue)
1995	Jackie Taylor - Doo Wop Shoo Bop - Black Ensemble Theater
1996	Delia Gray - Train Is Comin' - The Chicago Theater Company
1997	Jackie Taylor - The Otis Redding Story - Black Ensemble Theater
1998	Sheldon Epps - Play On!- The Goodman Theatre
2003	Jackie Taylor - Howlin' At The Moon - The Black Ensemble Theater
2004	Runako Jahi - Eyes - eta
2006	Ebony Joy and Jackie Taylor - Nina Simone: The High Priestess Speaks - Black Ensemble Theater
2007	Jackie Taylor - Memphis Soul:The Story of Stax Records - Black Ensemble Theater
2008	Kevin Iega Jeff - Nefertiti - A Concert of Music and Dance - Deeply Rooted Productions
2009	Derrick Sanders - Sanctified - Congo Square Theatre Company
2011	Lilli-Anne Brown – Passing Strange – Bailiwick Chicago
2012	Regina Taylor – Crowns – The Goodman Theatre
2013	Cassandra Bell – Ain't Misbehavin – Harold Washington Cultural Center

The full cast ensemble of "Pill Hill", directed by Douglas Alan-Mann and produced by The Chicago Theater Company.

YEAR	Best Direction (Ensemble)
1997	Lisa Duncan- Do Lord Remember Me - The Chicago Theatre Company
1998	Ron O.J. Parson- Let Me Live - Goodman/Onyx Theatre
1999	Douglas Alan-Mann - Pill Hill - The Chicago Theatre Company
2007	Kamesha Jackson - Stoops - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2012	Seret Scott - Spunk - Court Theatre

The Cast of "Blaxploitation 2", produced by MPAACT.

	The Target Community Relations Award Target- Minneapolis based Target serves guests at 1,648 stores in 47 states nationwide. Since 1946, the corporation has invested five percent of its income in the community it serves. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Target partners with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. The Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc. salutes Target.
YEAR	Best Ensemble Acting
1995	MiLK- MPAACT Productions
1996	East Texas Hot Links- Onyx Theatre Ensemble
1997	Transformations- Goodman Studio Theatre
1998	Let Me Live- Goodman Studio/Onyx Theatre Ensemble
1999	The Sovereign State of the Boogedy Boogedy- Victory Gardens Theatre
2000	For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When The Rainbow Is Enuf- The Journeymen
2002	Five Guys Named Moe- Drury Lane Evergreen Park
2003	Cut Flowers - The Chicago Theatre Company and The Noble Theater
2004	Crowns - The Goodman Theatre
2005	Seven Guitars - Congo Square Theatre Company
2006	Fences - Court Theatre
2007	Blaxploitation 2 - MPAACT
2008	Jitney - Pegasus Players
2009	Pill Hill - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2010	The Brother/Sister Plays - Steppenwolf Theatre Company
2011	The Trip - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2012	Spunk - Court Theatre
2013	One Name Only - Black Ensemble Theater

The Cast of "Shoes" written by Gloria Bond Clunie, and produced by The Victory Gardens Theater. Pictured L-R Warren Jackson, Jacqueline Williams, Ora Jones, Linara Washington and Tory Davis.

The Lorraine Hansberry Award Lorraine Hansberry (1930 - 1965), playwright and painter, whose play A Raisin in the Sun (1959) was the first drama by a black woman to be produced on Broadway.

YEAR	Best Writing (Original or Adaptation)
1995	Crystal Rhodes - Stoops - eta Creative Arts Foundation
1996	Marcia L. Leslie - The Trial of One Short Sighted Black Woman vs. Mammy Louise and Safreeta Mae - eta Creative Arts Foundation
1997	David Barr - The Death of the Black Jesus - The Chicago Theater Company
1998	Keith Glover - Coming of the Hurricane - Organic Touchstone Theatre
1998	OyamO - Let Me Live - Goodman Studio/Onyx Theatre
1999	Shepsu Aakhu - The Abesha Conspiracy - MPAACT Production
1999	Christina Harley - The Dreamers - eta Creative Arts Foundation
2000	Charles Smith - Knock Me A Kiss - Victory Gardens Theater
2002	S.M. Shephard-Massat-Waiting To Be Invited - Victory Gardens Theater
2003	Gavin Lawrence - Cut Flowers - The Chicago Theater Company and The Noble Fool Theater.
2004	Javon Johnson - The House That Jack Built - Congo Square Theatre Company
2005	Gloria Bond Clunie - Shoes - Victory Gardens Theater
2006	TIE - Lydia R. Diamond - Voyeurs DeVenus - Chicago Dramatists & Regina Taylor - The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove - The Goodman Theatre
2007	Shepsu Aakhu - Trouble The Water - MPAACT
2009	Lynn Nottage - Ruined - The Goodman Theatre
2010	Tarell Alvin McCraney - The Brother/Sister Plays - Steppenwolf Theatre Company
2011	TIE - Darren Canady – Brothers Of The Dust – Congo Square Theatre Company & Darlette McAlpin – Field Of Souls – eta Creative Arts Foundation
2012	Danai Gurira - The Convert - The Goodman Theater
2013	Reginald Edmund - Southbridge - Chicago Dramatists
2013	McKinley Johnson - Clara - Open Door Repertory Company

The August Wilson Award August Wilson ( April 27, 1945 ”“ October 2, 2005), was an American playwright. His literary legacy is the ten play series, the century cycle, for which he received two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama. Each is set in a different decade, depicting the comic and tragic aspects of the African American experience in the twentieth century. In 1968, Mr. Wilson co-founded the Black Horizon Theater with Rob Penny. His plays includes Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Fences, Joe Turner's Come And Gone, The Piano Lesson, Two Trains Running, Seven Guitars, Jitney, King Hedley II, Gem of the Ocean, and Radio Golf.

YEAR

Best Writing of a Play (Musical/Adaptation)

1995

Joe Plummer and Jaye T. Stewart - Get Ready - eta Creative Arts Foundation

1996

Charles Smith - Black Star Line - The Goodman Theatre

1997

Jackie Taylor and Jimmy Tillman - The Otis Redding Story - Black Ensemble Theater

1998

Ossie Davis & Hy Gilbert - Bingo Long and his Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings - DreamStreet Theater

2003

Kirsten Childs - The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin - Apple Tree Theatre

2004 Marion J. Caffey - Cookin' at The Cookery: The Life and Times of Alberta Hunter - Northlight Theatre

2007 David Barr III - Memphis Soul: The Story of Stax Records - Black Ensemble Theater

2008 Jackie Taylor - I Am Who I Am - The Story of Teddy Pendergrass - Black Ensemble Theater

2009 Javon Johnson - Sanctified - Congo Square Theatre Company

2012 Jackie Taylor - The Marvin Gaye Story - Black Ensemble

Clarence Gilyard (Best Leading Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy) as the Teacher in "My Children, My Africa", produced by Victory Gardens Theater and Gilyard Productions.

(L to R) Ronald Conner (Best Leading Actor in a Play (Drama or Comedy), Tyla Abercrumbie, and A.C. Smith. Produced by The Court Theatre.

(L to R) Kamal Angelo Bolden, Best Leading Actor (Drama or Comedy) and LaShawn Banks in "The Island", produced by Remy Bumppo

Chike Johnson, Best Leading Actor(Drama or Comedy) for his performance in "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead", produced by Court Theatre

Best Leading Actor in a Drama Teagle Bouqere in "Invisible Man," produced by Court Theatre.

The Sidney Poitier Award Sidney Poitier (1927- Present), born in Miami, Florida, starred in A Raisin in the Sun in 1959 on Broadway, and was the first African American to win the Academy Award in a leading role in 1963, for his performance in the film Lillies of the Field.

YEAR	Best Leading Actor In A Play (Drama or Comedy)
1995	Darryl Alan Reed - Vivisections From The Blown Mind - Goodman Theater
1996	Charles Michael Moore - Urban Transitions: Loose Blossoms! - eta
1997	Harry J. Lennix - Ma' Rainey's Black Bottom - Goodman Theater
1998	Douglas Alan-Mann - A Red Death - The Chicago Theatre Company
1999	Byron Stewart - Conversations With A Diva - A Real Read/ Bailiwick Theatre
2000	Morrocco Omari - Knock Me A Kiss - Victory Gardens Theater
2001	Javon Johnson - Before It Hits Home - Congo Square Theater Company
2002	Michael Hargrove - Will He Bop, Will He Drop - National Pastime Theater
2003	J. David Shanks - Kiwi Black - MPAACT
2004	TIE - K. Todd Freeman - Top Dog/Under Dog - Steppenwolf Theatre & Anthony Irons - King of Coons - Congo Square Theatre Company
2005	Kenn E. Head - Seven Guitars - Congo Square Theatre Company
2006	TIE - Ethan Henry - Kingdom - eta Creative Arts Foundation & A.C. Smith - Fences - Court Theatre
2007	Clarence Gilyard - My Children, My Africa - Victory Gardens Green House Theater and Gilyard Productions, LLC.
2008	James Vincent Meredith - The Crucible - Steppenwolf
2009	Ronald Conner - The Piano Lesson - Court Theatre
2010	TIE - Kamal Angelo Bolden - The Island - Remy Bumppo Theatre & Chike Johnson - Sizwe Banzi Is Dead - Court Theatre
2011	James T. Alfred – Brothers Of The Dust – Congo Square Theatre Company
2012	Teagle Bouqere – Invisible Man – Court Theatre
2013	Amos Ellis – Ceremonies In Dark Old Men – eta

Rick Stone (Best Leading Actor in a Musical) for his performance in "Memphis Soul: The Story of Stax Records", produced by The Black Ensemble Theater.

Best Leading Actor In A Play (Musical or Revue) Kevin MclLvaine as Teddy Pendergrass in "I Am Who I Am - The Story of Teddy Pendergrass". Produced by Black Ensemble Theater.

(L to R) Brandon Chandler, Best Leading Actor(Musical or Revue) and Rashada Dawan in Aida, produced by bailiwick Chicago.

The Sammy Davis Jr. AwardSammy Davis, Jr. (1925 - 1990), singer, dancer, and actor. Sammy starred in Golden Boy on Broadway, and was often called "the world's greatest entertainer".

YEAR	Best Leading Actor In A Play(Musical or Revue)
1995	John S. Crowley - Doo Wop Shoo Bop - The Black Ensemble Theater
1996	Kenny Davis ”“Sammy: The Sammy Davis, Jr. Story - The Black Ensemble Theater
1997	Vince Harris - The Otis Redding Story - The Black Ensemble Theater
1998	Lawrence Walden - A Tribute To Mr. B. - The Black Ensemble Theater
2000	Ty Perry - The Life - Circle Theatre
2002	McKinley Johnson - Being Beautiful - Bailiwick Repertory Theater
2003	Chester M. Gregory - The Jackie Wilson Story - The Black Ensemble Theater
2004	Tony Duwon - The House That Rocked - The Black Ensemble Theater
2007	Rick Stone - Memphis Soul:The Story of Stax Records - Black Ensemble Theater
2008	Kevin McILvaine - I Am Who I Am - The Story of Teddy Pendergrass - The Black Ensemble Theater
2009	Renardo Johnson - Eye Of The Storm - Open Door Repertory Company
2010	Brandon Chandler - Aida - bailiwick Chicago
2011	Jayson Brooks – Passing Strange – Bailiwick Chicago
2012	Kelvin Roston, Jr. – The Jackie Wilson Story – BET
2013	Bryon Glenn Willis – Dreamgirls – Marriott Theatre

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

Scenes from
The 19th Annual
Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards
Monday, October 21, 2013
Columbia College Chicago
Photos by Isadore Howard ihoward@mac.com

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.

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.

Scenes from
The 18th Annual BTA Awards
Presented on Monday, October 22, 2012
At Columbia College Chicago
Hokin Lecture Hall
Photos by Isadore Howard; ihoward@mac.com

(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.

Most Promising Actor, Preston Tate, Jr. with Mom and Dad.

Best Actress in an Ensemble, Patrese McClain.

Best Sound Design winner, Sonita L. Surratt.

Scenes from
The 17th Annual
Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards
Monday, October 24, 2011
Photos by Isadore Howard
ihoward@mac.com

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.

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

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.

The 15th Annual
Black Theater Alliance
Ira Aldridge Awards
Monday, October 5, 2009
Crowne Plaza Hotel

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)

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.

The 14th Annual
Black Theater Alliance
Ira Aldridge Awards
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Fairmont Chicago

Pictures by Billy Smith
n-focus@comcast.net

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."

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.

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

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

You're Invited To Attend!

16 questions for Robert Townsend

Complete List of Black Theater Alliance Award Recipients 1995 to Present

2001 BTAA Millennium Honorees

Scenes from The 19th Annual Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards Monday, October 21, 2013 Columbia College Chicago Photos by Isadore Howard ihoward@mac.com

Scenes from The 18th Annual BTA Awards Presented on Monday, October 22, 2012 At Columbia College Chicago Hokin Lecture Hall Photos by Isadore Howard; ihoward@mac.com

Scenes from The 17th Annual Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards Monday, October 24, 2011 Photos by Isadore Howard ihoward@mac.com

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

The 15th Annual Black Theater Alliance Ira Aldridge Awards Monday, October 5, 2009 Crowne Plaza Hotel

The 14th Annual Black Theater Alliance Ira Aldridge Awards Monday, September 29, 2008 The Fairmont Chicago

To make a donation contact:Vincent Williams, BTAA-PresidentMake check payable to: The Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc.412 East 43rd Street, #305Chicago, Illinois 60653773-624-5729 All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.