MEDIA ADVISORY, Dec. 29, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -
WHEN: Thursday, January 1, 2004 from 3:30 P.M. until 4:30 P.M. WHERE: 3535 Main Street (corner of Main and Berry Street) on the George Hawkins Main Stage WHO: Reverend Williams A. Lawson, Mayor Lee P. Brown, Board President Argentina M. James, State Representative Garnet Coleman, Mayor Elect Bill White, Houston Endowment Board Member Anthony Hall, Ensemble Theatre Board Members, artists, subscribers, financial supporters. WHY: The namesake METRORail stop and the retirement of the theatre's capital campaign debt are two historic milestones for the theatre. This accomplishment establishes The Ensemble Theatre as the largest African American theatre in the nation that owns, operates and produces its productions in-house. The Ensemble serves as an organization that owns its own building-in a sense, holding its own destiny. The theatre will be afforded the foundation necessary for its continued development as a world-class institution. Rev. William A. Lawson, pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, will officiate the mortgage burning ceremony at 3:30 P.M. The mortgage burning ceremony will serve as a symbolic occasion and proud moment in the history of theatre, for now a community of stakeholders truly own the building. Board of Directors will announce the naming of the Grand Lobby and the Green Room. AUDIO/ VISUALS: CONTACT: Andrea Barefield, Media Coordinator Office: (713) 520-0055 ext. 316 Janette Cosley, Executive Director Office: (713) 520-0055 ext. 311
The Ensemble Theatre
Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre is one of the oldest and most distinguished professional theaters in the southwestern U.S. devoted to the African America experience. The mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African American Artistic Expression; to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. From its humble beginnings as a touring company, The Ensemble now presents a full season of classic and contemporary African American works by local and national playwrights and artist. In addition, The Ensemble provides touring and in-house performances for young audiences, community outreach, and training for young artists through The Young Performers Program. The Ensemble, one of the few African American theaters in the country to own and operate its own facility, boast a main stage auditorium with seating for 200, an arena stage that seats 125, and a grand performance hall that accommodates 500 people.