True Colors Theatre Company

True Colors Theatre Company is a professional non-profit theatre company based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, founded in 2002 by Kenny Leon and Jane Bishop. The company is dedicated to promoting African American culture and experiences through theatrical productions, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Suzan-Lori Parks, August Wilson, and Toni Morrison. True Colors Theatre Company has also partnered with esteemed institutions like the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Spelman College. The company's mission is to inspire and educate audiences through the works of African American playwrights, such as Lorraine Hansberry and Langston Hughes.

● History

True Colors Theatre Company was established in 2002 by Kenny Leon and Jane Bishop with the goal of showcasing African American talent and stories. The company's early productions included works by August Wilson, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Toni Morrison, which were performed at various venues in Atlanta, Georgia, including the Alliance Theatre and Fox Theatre (Atlanta). True Colors Theatre Company has also collaborated with other notable theatre companies, such as the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and The Public Theater, to produce works by African American playwrights like Lynn Nottage and Dominique Morisseau. The company has received support from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts, Ford Foundation, and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

● Productions

True Colors Theatre Company has produced a wide range of plays and musicals, including works by African American playwrights like Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog, August Wilson's Fences, and Toni Morrison's Desdemona. The company has also produced musicals like Ragtime and Dreamgirls, which feature African American characters and stories. True Colors Theatre Company has collaborated with notable directors like Kenny Leon, Phylicia Rashad, and LeVar Burton to bring these productions to life. The company's productions have been performed at various venues, including the Alliance Theatre, Fox Theatre (Atlanta), and Center for Civil and Human Rights.

● Artistic Leadership

True Colors Theatre Company is led by Kenny Leon, who serves as the company's artistic director. Kenny Leon is a renowned director and producer who has worked with notable theatre companies like the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and The Public Theater. He has also directed productions on Broadway, including A Raisin in the Sun and Fences, which starred Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. The company's associate artistic director is Jamal Jones, who has worked with True Colors Theatre Company on various productions, including Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog and August Wilson's Fences. The company has also collaborated with other notable artistic leaders, such as Phylicia Rashad and LeVar Burton.

● Awards and Recognition

True Colors Theatre Company has received numerous awards and recognition for its productions, including several Suzi Bass Awards and Atlanta Theatre Awards. The company's production of Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog won several awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. True Colors Theatre Company has also been recognized for its community outreach and education programs, which have been supported by organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and Ford Foundation. The company's artistic director, Kenny Leon, has received several awards for his direction, including a Tony Award nomination for his production of A Raisin in the Sun.

● Education and Community Outreach

True Colors Theatre Company is committed to education and community outreach, and offers various programs for African American youth and adults. The company's education programs include workshops, classes, and internships, which are designed to promote African American culture and experiences. True Colors Theatre Company has partnered with organizations like Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University to offer these programs. The company has also collaborated with community organizations like the National Black Arts Festival and Atlanta Jazz Festival to promote African American arts and culture. True Colors Theatre Company's community outreach programs have been supported by organizations like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Ford Foundation.

Category:Theatre companies in the United States