the 2026 btu gala
MONday october 5th, 2026
ziegfeld ballroom, new york city
who we are
Our founders—leaders in performance and policy—came together to transform theatre’s future and open doors for Black talent.
Allyson Tucker
Actress, Singer, Dancer, Asst. Director
Anna Deavere Smith
Actress, Playwright
Audra McDonald
Actress, Singer
Billy Porter
Actor, Singer, Director
Brian Stokes Mitchell
Actor, Singer
Capathia Jenkins
Singer, Actress
Carin Ford
Sound Engineer
Darius de Haas
Actor, Singer, Producer
Kenny Leon
Director, Producer
LaChanze
Actress, Singer, Director, Producer
Lillias White
Actress, Singer
.webp)
Lisa Dawn Cave
Production Supervisor
Michael McElroy
Actor, Singer, Music, Director, Educator
Natasha Yvette Williams
Actress, Singer
Norm Lewis
Actor, Singer
Schele Williams
Director, Producer
Tamara Tunie
Actress, Singer, Director, Producer
Vanessa Williams
Actress, Singer, Producer
Wendell Pierce
Actor, Producer
Apply to the 2026 Marketing & Press Internship
apply to
BTU Rise
Black Theatre United is proud to launch the fifth year of The Broadway Marketing and Press Internship Program, an initiative dedicated to creating new opportunities for emerging talent in the areas of marketing and advertising.
Program Spotlight
2025 Gala
2025 Gala
An unforgettable evening with star-studded performances, inspiring honorees, and a celebration of Black excellence across arts and culture. All proceeds support BTU’s programs building equity, access, and opportunity for the next generation of Black theatre leaders.
programs
01
BTU Rise Marketing and Press Internship Program
In partnership with many of Broadway’s leading advertising and press agencies, the BTU Rise Internship Program offers participants an eight-week immersive experience in this vital side of the industry
02
Broadway Bound Educational Program
This transformative 15 week initiative, implemented twice a year, is designed to bring the magic of Broadway to schools in underrepresented, low-economic communities
03
BTU Designer Initiative
Focused on supporting emerging and early-career professionals, the BTU Designer Initiative offers information, access, and exposure to the many disciplines of theatrical design
04
Marva Hicks Musical Theatre Scholarship
Established in memory of performer Marva Hicks, this scholarship supports the next generation of musical theatre artists
05
Business of Show
This series features panels and group discussions on topics central to the Black theatrical landscape and our greater community
06
BTU Townhall
BTU Town Halls are community forums where founders, experts, and celebrity allies engage in meaningful dialogue around urgent cultural and industry issues. Events may be held live or virtually and are designed to mobilize, inform, and inspire
07
A new deal for broadway
The New Deal is a list of commitments and aspirations compiled by leaders in our industry that would ignite change and build sustainable practices committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in our theater community
btu design expo 2026
Friday, may 22
nyu's paulson center
Connect directly with visionary artists across disciplines who are defining the future of theatrical design.
A full day celebrating the artistry, innovation, and impact of design—curated in the distinctive spirit of Black Theatre United.
btu design expo 2026
NYU’s Paulson Center
Program: 10:00am–6:30pm
Registration opens March 1
GIVE A CHILD A SEAT IN THE THEATER...
A single donation to BTU's Broadway Bound Educational Program gives a child the chance to experience their very first Broadway show — a moment that can spark lifelong creativity, confidence, and joy.
...AND A STAGE FOR THEIR FUTURE
When kids are exposed to the arts at a young age, their imaginations expand, their confidence grows, and their dreams get a little bigger. For many of the children we serve, this opportunity isn't just entertainment - it's exposure to new stories, new perspectives, and a world they may have never imagined.
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