Learn more about Support Black Theatre’s purpose and vision.
Who We Are
Support Black Theatre (SBT) is a nonprofit service organization strengthening the Black theatre sector and utilizing the performing arts as a vehicle for systemic change, power building, and long-term community investment.
We create thriving ecosystems that prioritize artist career development, organizational health, social advancement, economic resilience and collective wellness.
What We Do
SBT provides quality programs, resources, and assistance that cultivate conditions for Black artists, organizations, and residents to thrive. Our annual offerings include capacity-building workshops, leadership training, youth and arts education, civic engagement forums, research and data collection, support for the creation of new work, and the development of arts workers.
Our values are rooted in collaboration. Every SBT program and initiative is carried out in partnership with other Black nonprofits, businesses, and local schools. We believe that relationship is our greatest resource, and together we can generate cultural capital and weave networks of mutual aid that place theatre at the heart of community service and collective growth. This core belief has led to our work strengthening 29 coalition member entities, supporting 186 Black-owned businesses and nonprofit partners, and impacting more than 20,000 Angelenos each year. Additionally, Los Angeles Black theatre companies have received over 1.3 million in awarded funds as a result of our direct services.
Why We Do It
Nothing is more important to us than the health, safety, autonomy, and thrivability of our people and communities. Historically, Black theatre has been far more than entertainment — it has served as a vehicle for communal knowledge, resistance, and liberation. It is where stories of struggle and triumph are told, where history and culture are safeguarded, and where communities come together to imagine new futures. Yet, despite its transformative potential, Black theatre remains deeply underfunded, under-resourced, and undervalued. What has been overlooked is not simply art—it is an untapped engine for economic growth and social transformation within Black communities. We believe Black theatres must be reimagined and resourced as thriving cultural hubs that anchor the arts, education, workforce development, movement-building, and communal uplift.
See. Create. Invest.
See, Create, and Invest. We chose these three words because they are multifaceted, active, and essential to the core of our mission. They enhance and expound the various ways by which we can all Support Black Theatre and facilitate an ecosystem which is vital to its growth and sustainability. We define these terms, on our terms.
See
1: to support through attendance, showing up for each other
2: to make visible one another’s stories and strengths
3: to represent and reflect our people through the full expression of our culture and humanity
Create
1: to bring art and relationship into existence
2: to forge new paths, new ways, and new models
3: to engage in imaginative methods of cross-fertilization and collaboration within our community
Invest
1: to sow into one another and our community
2: to seek connection and cultivate relationships
3: to share resources, information, and inspiration
Our Commitment to Artists
Although our utmost focus is the health and thrivability of Los Angeles’ Black theatres, Support Black Theatre is committed to supporting Black artists and Black work presented at all local theatres. Our support for Black productions does not automatically equate to an endorsement for the institutions producing the work, but does equate to our deep dedication to all Black creatives. We encourage our community to utilize the websites of local accountability organizations such as BLKLST, LA ARTS, and the SoCal Theatre Living Document to find the most current information on the history and EDI practices of area theatres.
SBT Staff and Team Members
Sophina Brown – Founder/Executive Director
Tyrone Davis – Associate Executive Director
Dr. Gregory King – Director of Education & Research
Megan Hobza – Partnership Strategist
Bairton Brown – Development Specialist
Dana Hunt – Administrative Assistant
Maci Dismuke – Program Coordinator and Assistant Teaching Artist
Jessica Williams – Program Coordinator
Carene Mekertichyan – Program Coordinator and Teaching Artist
Pam Williams – Event Specialist
Arnell Powell – Community Partnerships
Andi Chapman – AWNV Competition Director
DeJuan Christopher – AWNV Teaching Artist
Jonathan P. Sims – AWNV Teaching Artist
Iesha M. Daniels – Social Media Manager & Strategist
Vee Trent – Video and Photography