top of page

Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts

DOC030_Page_08-1920w-640w_edited_edited.

We are dedicated to advancing the work of African-American playwrights, professional/non-professional actors, directors, and other theatre personnel. In addition to our season of shows, we offer classes & workshops for youth and adults.

Join Us Today

Join Our Ensemble

Come See Our Upcoming Shows
jbaker.jpg

An Evening with Josephine Baker

By George Adams

Directed by Al Simpkins

The day entertainer and French war hero, Josephine Baker faces havingher possessions sold in a sheriff sale.

Oct. 22, 2024 - Oct. 27, 2024
phantom.jpg

The Phantom of the 87th Street Playground

By Clyde Santana & Gail Davis

Directed by Al Simpkins

Spirits of the past meet children who cannot reconcile their differences in this enchanting musical fantasy where hope blossoms and dreams never die.

May 27, 2025 – Jun. 8, 2025

COMING SOON

INSECTS AND GIANTIBTF2024jpg.jpeg

Insects and Giants

By Clyde Santana

Directed by Al Simpkins

On the eve of his retirement, a frustrated undercover officer, reflecting on
some of his past experiences, questions his decision to retire and return to
his family and his artistic life or continue to work undercover for his former
bigoted supervisor.

Apr. 29, 2025 - May 4, 2025

COMING SOON

Membership

DOC030_Page_05-1920w-640w_edited_edited.

Celebrate our 48th anniversary and 47th season of presenting plays by becoming a member today!

As we approach our 50th season of presenting plays that depict the African American experience, we invite you to become a member. Your membership support will enable us to continue presenting quality plays to our community.

Your membership will allow us to continue classes in acting, directing and playwriting for adults and children in the community. We mount plays on our main-stage with an auditorium that seats 433 and on our three adjoining stages in spaces that seat up to sixty where we develop new scripts and present our Puppet Theatre. Your membership represents an investment in Bushfire Theatre and the opportunity for us to continue for the next 50 years.
Become a Member for $65 a Year
ticket.png
Free Tickets

One ticket to all four main-stage plays

Savings
savings.png

​Additional tickets for family/friends at a reduced rate​

Venue Space
stage icon.png

​Rental space for parties at a reduced rate

Discover Playwriting with Us

Langston Hughes Playwright's Workshop

128854711_3624413997650680_8999796387037
Coming Soon
BushFireLogo_edited.png

Podcast

  • Explore the history of Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts, one of America's oldest African-American theatre ensembles

  • Hear interviews with African-American playwrights and actors

  • Meet the people behind the Bushfire Ensemble

podcast.png

Walk of Fame

Come visit the first-ever Walk of Fame dedicated to recognizing outstanding African-American artists of stage, screen & television, located just outside our theatre at 224 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA.

Walk+of+Fame+10-1280w_edited_edited_edit
Lloyd Richards

Broadway Director & Former Dean, Yale School of Drama

bottom of page