09/09/2026
Congratulations to the BE community!
🎠At each season’s Equity Awards a unique spotlight is directed to organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact on Chicago theater. At the 58th Joseph Jefferson Awards for Equity Theater, Black Ensemble Theater (www.facebook.com/BlackEnsembleTheater) will be recognized with a Special Equity Award to celebrate its legacy that was born from a powerful belief: that the arts can heal, unite, and transform.
Founded 50 years ago by actress, producer and playwright Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater has grown from a small community-arts organization originally operating out of a small theater in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood to a vibrant, internationally renowned arts institution producing excellent theater and outstanding, award-winning educational outreach programs. The only theater in the nation with a mission to eradicate racism, the company uses theater to bring diverse races together in a community that embraces similarities and fosters dialogue, understanding, acceptance, and healing.
The company has received multiple honors including 68 Jeff Award nominations, 14 Jeff Awards, and is nominated in seven categories this season.
The 58th Anniversary Jeff Awards ceremony will begin at 7:00pm (CST) Monday, September 14th at the Harris Theater in Chicago, 205 East Randolph Street. The show will be preceded by red carpet interviews featuring award nominees and theater community members beginning at 5:30pm. Jackie Taylor, Founder and CEO, and Daryl D. Brooks, Artistic Director, will accept the award at the ceremony on behalf of Black Ensemble Theater.
