About Us

Pictured left to right actresses Penelope Spencer , Jean and Rohma Spencer (Dinah) in the Washington, DC premiere of Lordstreet Theatre production of “Jean and Dinah…The Play”. Written/Directed by Tony Hall

The Essential Theatre is comparatively one of a very small number of professional African-American theatre companies in north America. As such we are honored to authentically produce and celebrate theatre as a fine art from a compelling and unique perspective not consistently seen in the metropolitan region. In so doing, we give focus, depth and girth to our unique, rich narrative by illuminating a wellspring of culturally historic contributions and how they re-language America’s landscape from our own unique perspective.

As we share our art and how it impacts the vast diverse cultural landscape, we take serious our role as purveyors of a profoundly glorious cultural history that celebrates the triumphs and travails of the African and African American Diaspora.

We believe this celebration of our deep cultural voice most affective when an inclusive approach is utilized thereby broadening the knowledge base of both participants and attending patrons .

Our identity is that of an African American Theatre company that Celebrates America’s rich, diverse cultural landscape giving focus to the African continent as the cradle of human civilization. We strive through our own optical lenses for what we believe is a multi-cultural approach in our achievement of production and its creation. The multi ethnic artists whom we employ and service in our programs range from Directors to actors, playwrights and technical personnel.

The Essential Theatre champions diversity in the workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, ethnic origin, political affiliation or disability.

We have a sincere belief that all individuals must feel free to explore the uniqueness of their cultural voice and identity while developing the public’s understandings of the cultural diversity that exists in the world. We believe that valued cultural diversity is an imperative to developing respect and understanding that can be transformative.

World premiere of ‘People for Whom the Worlds Spins and Turns,’ by James J. Hso, MD, Directed by S. Robert Morgan Photo by Sharon C. Farmer © 2018

Performance Schedule unless other wise noted:

Thursdays @ 7:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays @ 7:30 PM

Saturday matinees @ 3 PM and Sunday matinees @ 3 PM

Limited special matinees Wednesdays and Thursdays @ 1 PM

* Please check performance schedule and times for play in question.