Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre "Umoja!! ….Working Together in Unity" is the foundation from which FJT began and continues to thrive.

Founded in 1979, under the name of the Foster Community Theatre, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre has been thrilling audiences with over three decades of unique, inspirational and invigorating African American and African Diaspora-centered storytelling. From original plays to the best of Broadway, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre remained committed to supplying the very best in theatre. It is our mission to p

resent powerful, thought provoking, community-centered Theater Arts programming with a commitment to diversity and creative excellence. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and creative environment for directors, playwrights, set, light, and costume designers, as well as for experienced and novice performers. In this positive environment they can develop their skills and fully express their talents.

The City of Evanston's JUNETEENTH Celebration is this Friday!All Are Welcome to a Youthful, Inclusive Juneteenth Dawes P...
06/15/2026

The City of Evanston's JUNETEENTH Celebration is this Friday!

All Are Welcome to a Youthful, Inclusive Juneteenth
Dawes Park, Arrington Lagoon
Friday, June 19 12-4 PM

Multi-Cultural Artisans, Face painting, Games, Music, and More! Hecky's BBQ, C&W Ice Cream Truck, Fire House Grill, 4 Suns Fresh Juice

Opal's Walk for Freedom 10:30 AM
DJ Corey Bless 12:00 PM / All Day
Opening Ceremony & Welcome 12:20 PM
GreenTTea & The Tempos 1:00 PM
Black Pearl Dance Ensemble 2:15 PM
NAJWA Dance Corps 2:30 PM
Black Pearl Majorettes 3:15 PM

Opal's Walk for Freedom
Opal's Walk for Freedom is an event organized by Kemone Hendricks of Evanston Present and Future in collaboration with the City of Evanston. Ahead of the City of Evanston's Juneteenth Celebration, participants will walk 2.5 miles along the lakefront to symbolize the two-and-a-half-year delay between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the arrival of freedom in Texas on June 19, 1865. Learn more and register for the Opal's Walk for Freedom.

City of Evanston Illinois Government

Final weekend to see "Gee's Bend!" Reviewers Say..."Gee's Bend" provides a vibrant tapestry. Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’...
06/04/2026

Final weekend to see "Gee's Bend!"

Reviewers Say...
"Gee's Bend" provides a vibrant tapestry. Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s meditative revival, directed by Tim Rhoze, thoughtfully brings out the play’s themes of family and community. - Chicago Reader, Emily McClanathan

A keenly emotional play about a black family in a small-town Alabama community. - Around The Town Chicago, Julie W. Rath

As a work of performance art, Fleetwood-Jourdain’s “Gee’s Bend” belongs on a pedestal. - New City, Tristian Bruns

The dynamics within the cast shine, bringing to life the theme of family and community. - Evanston RoundTable, Rudy Ruiz

Audience Members Say...
"This is such a culturally and heartwarming play. It reminds us all of what makes families, love and traditions so dear" - Denise Martin

"I was moved by how real the characters felt and how the performance brought together the broader period of history with the individual story of Gee’s Bend in an emotional and memorable way" - Barbara Kovel

"Boundless love graced the stage and I feel humbled to have witnessed it" - Holly Hoffman

"I left with the feeling of deep family love and what care for one's heritage should look like. I was moved to my core" - Juelle Daly

"Wonderful production! See it if you can! Bravo." - Holly Walters-Marsh

"You will have moments of joy, sadness & awe with this much talented cast. Go see this play before it's gone!" - Sholo Beverly

"What is so great about this theatre is the dedication & mission to keep Black history & American history ALIVE!" - Rick Marsh

"Everything I have seen there (Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre) has always been superb." - Oliver A. Ruff

purchase tickets at: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/cityofevanston/api/Program/Detail?programId=xaoLenb

or by phone, or in person at any of the following community centers:

Fleetwood-Jourdain Center: 847-448-8254
Robert Crown Center: 847-448-8258
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Prieto Community Center: 847-859-7697
For general information, call 847-448-4311

This weekend is the 2nd weekend for GEE'S BEND!Reviewers Say..."Gee's Bend" provides a vibrant tapestry. Fleetwood-Jourd...
05/30/2026

This weekend is the 2nd weekend for GEE'S BEND!

Reviewers Say...
"Gee's Bend" provides a vibrant tapestry. Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre’s meditative revival, directed by Tim Rhoze, thoughtfully brings out the play’s themes of family and community - Chicago Reader, Emily McClanathan

A keenly emotional play about a black family in a small-town Alabama community. - Around The Town Chicago, Julie W. Rath

As a work of performance art, Fleetwood-Jourdain’s “Gee’s Bend” belongs on a pedestal. - New City, Tristian Bruns

The dynamics within the cast shine, bringing to life the theme of family and community. - Evanston RoundTable, Rudy Ruiz

Audience Members Say...
"Wonderful production! See it if you can! Bravo." - Holly Walters-Marsh

“A show full of heart, with outstanding performances all round. Don’t miss it!” - Toby Sachs

"Gee's Bend was outstanding. The (actor's) performance of the character Sadie Pettway showed pride and determination that really touched my soul." - Jo-Ann Cromer

"You will have moments of joy, sadness & awe with this much-talented cast. Go see this play before it's gone!" - Sholo Beverly

"Wonderful storytelling! Actually brought back memories of my Grandmother sewing the patches together, for the quilts she would make. Loved the singing!" - Mary Dotson

"What is so great about this theatre is the dedication & mission to keep Black history & American history ALIVE!" - Rick Marsh

"Everything I have seen there (Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre) has always been superb." - Oliver A. Ruff

Get your tickets at: www.fjtheatre.com

This weekend is the 2nd weekend for GEE'S BEND! If you are an artist, you can see the show for $5! This weekend only! Ca...
05/28/2026

This weekend is the 2nd weekend for GEE'S BEND! If you are an artist, you can see the show for $5! This weekend only! Cash only at the door! Bring proof: headshot, resume, professional website, union card, etc.

If you're not an artist, still come and see this wonderful show!! Go to www.fjtheatre.com to purchase your tickets!

Don’t miss it!

We are SO excited to announce the lineup for this year's Gloria Bond Clunie Playwright's Festival.Visitation by Caitlin ...
05/27/2026

We are SO excited to announce the lineup for this year's Gloria Bond Clunie Playwright's Festival.

Visitation by Caitlin Frazier
directed by Faramade F. Oladapo

Miss Spence’s Play by Annie Janeiro Randall
directed by Rashaad Bond

Black Enough by Beckett Thompson
directed by Lip Lewis

It's the 3rd year of the festival, and we continue to cultivate new plays that center Black stories, whether they're historical, contemporary, surreal, dramatic, explosive, or comedic.

Grab your tickets now: www.fjtheatre.com

This weekend is the opening weekend for GEE'S BEND! Tonight, at 7pm, is preview and tomorrow, at 3pm, is opening! Get yo...
05/23/2026

This weekend is the opening weekend for GEE'S BEND! Tonight, at 7pm, is preview and tomorrow, at 3pm, is opening! Get your tickets at www.fjtheatre.com today and join us at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center!!

And....there's still time:
Join Omega Pi Zeta Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated tomorrow, May 24, at 3 p.m. for a special opening performance of “Gee’s Bend,” benefiting the organization’s scholarship fund. Following the performance, guests are invited to enjoy a reception and meet both sorority members and the cast of Gee’s Bend. Purchase your $25 fundraiser tickets, and join the party!
https://www.omegapizeta.org/

GEE'S BEND preview is this Saturday, 3/23 at 7pm, with opening this Sunday, 3/24 at 3pm! Join Omega Pi Zeta Beta Chapter...
05/21/2026

GEE'S BEND preview is this Saturday, 3/23 at 7pm, with opening this Sunday, 3/24 at 3pm!

Join Omega Pi Zeta Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on Sunday, May 24, at 3 p.m. for a special opening performance of “Gee’s Bend,” benefiting the organization’s scholarship fund. Following the performance, guests are invited to enjoy a reception and meet both sorority members and the cast of Gee’s Bend. Purchase your $25 fundraiser tickets, and join the party!

Purchase your ticket here: https://www.omegapizeta.org/
Purchase tickets for the remainder of the run at www.fjtheatre.com



pictured l to r: Jasmine "Jaz" Robertson & Toccara Castleman.

Yesterday was first dress rehearsal for GEE'S BEND, and we're so excited to bring this to life! Spanning over 60 years, ...
05/21/2026

Yesterday was first dress rehearsal for GEE'S BEND, and we're so excited to bring this to life! Spanning over 60 years, "Gee’s Bend" tells the story of Sadie Pettway as she grows up in rural Alabama, joins the Civil Rights Movement, and becomes a celebrated quilter. It is a personal story of family, self-discovery, and artistic expression.

Preview is this Saturday, 3/23 at 7pm, with opening this Sunday, 3/24 at 3pm!

Join Omega Pi Zeta Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on Sunday, May 24, at 3 p.m. for a special opening performance of “Gee’s Bend,” benefiting the organization’s scholarship fund. Following the performance, guests are invited to enjoy a reception and meet both sorority members and the cast of Gee’s Bend. Purchase your $25 fundraiser tickets, and join the party!
Purchase your ticket here: https://www.omegapizeta.org/

Purchase tickets for the remainder of the run at www.fjtheatre.com

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Partnership with Evanston Public Library Presents "Gee's Bend"!By: Elyzabeth Gregory Wilde...
05/18/2026

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Partnership with Evanston Public Library Presents "Gee's Bend"!

By: Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder

May 23 - June 7

Spanning over 60 years, Gee’s Bend tells the story of Sadie Pettway as she grows up in rural Alabama, joins the Civil Rights Movement, and becomes a celebrated quilter. It is a personal story of family, self-discovery, and artistic expression.

Performances: Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Purchase tickets here: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/cityofevanston/api/Program/Detail?programId=xaoLenb

*********

Join Omega Pi Zeta Beta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on Sunday, May 24, at 3 p.m. for a special opening performance of “Gee’s Bend,” benefiting the organization’s scholarship fund. Following the performance, guests are invited to enjoy a reception and meet both sorority members and the cast of Gee’s Bend. Purchase your $25 fundraiser tickets, and join the party!

Purchase tickets here: https://www.omegapizeta.org/

**********

Purchase Tickets and Premium Gold Membership
Make your ticket purchases online, by phone, or in person at any of the following community centers:

Fleetwood-Jourdain Center: 847-448-8254
Robert Crown Center: 847-448-8258
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Prieto Community Center: 847-859-7697
For general information, call 847-448-4311

Premium Gold Membership Card $90!

For A Limited Time: 2026 Premium Gold Cards Are Only $90!
The discounted rate of $90 provides a total savings of $75.

As a Premium Gold Member, you will receive the following benefits:

Priority RSVP admission to three plays.
Full access to the Gloria Bond Clunie Playwright's Festival.
One complimentary "Plus One" to be included with any one reservation.

Exclusive 2-for-1 special offers throughout the 2026 season
Purchase your Premium Gold Membership Card; the discount ends soon.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Partnership with Evanston Public Library Presents "Gee's Bend" By: Elyzabeth Gregory Wilde...
05/11/2026

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Partnership with Evanston Public Library Presents "Gee's Bend"

By: Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder

May 23 - June 7

Spanning over 60 years, Gee’s Bend tells the story of Sadie Pettway as she grows up in rural Alabama, joins the Civil Rights Movement, and becomes a celebrated quilter. It is a personal story of family, self-discovery, and artistic expression.

Performances: Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Purchase tickets at www.fjtheatre.com

*******
Join Omega Pi Zeta Beta Sorority, Incorporated for the Gee's Bend Opening

Join Omega Pi Zeta Beta Sorority, Incorporated on Sunday, May 24, at 3 p.m. for a special opening performance of “Gee’s Bend,” benefiting the organization’s scholarship fund. Following the performance, guests are invited to enjoy a reception and meet both sorority members and the cast of Gee’s Bend. Purchase your $25 fundraiser tickets, and join the party!
https://www.omegapizeta.org/

********
Purchase Tickets and Premium Gold Membership
Make your ticket purchases online, by phone, or in person at any of the following community centers:

Fleetwood-Jourdain Center: 847-448-8254
Robert Crown Center: 847-448-8258
Ecology Center: 847-448-8256
Levy Senior Center: 847-448-8250
Prieto Community Center: 847-859-7697
For general information, call 847-448-4311

For A Limited Time: 2026 Premium Gold Cards Are Only $90!
The discounted rate of $90 provides a total savings of $75.

As a Premium Gold Member, you will receive the following benefits:

Priority RSVP admission to three plays.
Full access to the Gloria Bond Clunie Playwright's Festival.
One complimentary "Plus One" to be included with any one reservation.
Exclusive 2-for-1 special offers throughout the 2026 season
Purchase your Premium Gold Membership Card; the discount ends soon.
https://app.amilia.com/store/en/cityofevanston/shop/memberships/70643

Address

927 Noyes Street
Evanston, IL
60201

Telephone

+18478665914

Website

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