Coming - Spring 2026!
Sunday May 24, 2026
African-American Collective Theater (ACT) returns with it's latest theater festival
of original LGBTQ+ short play readings in observance of DC Black Pride Weekend - an annual spring tradition since 1992.
SAVE THE DATE!
October 2025
ACT Founder Presents Center for Black Equity's "Artistic Excellence Award"
On Saturday, October 4th, ACT 's Founder had the pleasure of introducing and presenting to 2025 recipient Patrik-Ian Polk -- the Center for Black Equity's Alan Sharpe Artistic Excellence Award at the BE. Gala for Black Equity!
Known as the “father of Black queer cinema,” Patrik has transformed the cultural landscape with groundbreaking works such as Punks, Noah’s Arc, and The Skinny. Through his art, he has told unapologetic stories of Black LGBTQ+ life, creating space for representation, visibility, and truth.
This award, named after its inaugural recipient -- ACT's Founding Artistic Director -- celebrates Patrik’s extraordinary contributions to culture and community through art. His fearless storytelling continues to inspire and empower generations.
DC Mayor's Office Issues Honorary Proclamation
"Alan Sharpe Day"
At a special benefit brunch organized by DC Activist, Chuck Hicks, hosted by Darryl Gorman and attended by a number of friends and supporters, ACT presented readings of two short plays, "Unnatural Causes" featuring ACT'ers, Monte J. Wolfe, and Jeremy Keith Hunter, followed by "Sex Work" with Gregory Ford and Tristan Philip Hewitt.
A highlight of the event came when ACT's Founding Artistic Director was surprised and honored to receive an award from the office of Washington, DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser, proclaiming Sunday, October 12th as "Alan Sharpe Day" in the District of Columbia.
ACT's 2025 LGBTQ+ Theater Showcase Celebrating DC Black Pride Weekend,
35 talented actors performed new, short, LGBTQ+ themed plays "Reader's Theater" style -- during a fun, informal showcase in celebration of last year's 2025 DC Black Pride Weekend.
For one low admission price: comic, dramatic, and romantic shorts are featured, in a casual, flexible, late afternoon/early evening, festival format -- during which audience members may arrive when they can, come & go as they need, and still sample an array of original, short theater works --according to their busy holiday schedules.
Our 2025 DC Black Pride Weekend Cast!
