Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts
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.
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Join Our Ensemble
50th Anniversary Season!
The Meeting
By Jeff Stetson
Directed by Al Simpkins​
They met only once and the content of the conversation went with them to their graves. Jeff Stetson probes the possibilities in this provocative dialogue between Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Oct. 27, 2026 - Nov. 1, 2026
Crowns
By Regina Taylor
Based on the book Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, Regina Taylor’s gospel musical is a powerful coming of age story in which hats are a testimony
to sisterhood.
April 20, 2027 - May 2, 2027
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A dynamic comedic drama that gives tribute to the amazing life of Dick Gregory.
May 25, 2027 - June 6, 2027
DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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.
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.
Lloyd Richards
Broadway Director & Former Dean, Yale School of Drama