The Seventh Annual National Black Theatre TEER Spirit Awards Gala will take place on June 18th and will be hosted by Russell G. Jones. June 18th is NBT’s Founder’s Day as it is the birthdate of founder, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. The Spirit Awards began as a commemoration of Dr. Teer after her passing in 2008 with a purpose of honoring those who continue the legacy set by the pioneers of the National Black Theatre.
In addition to visionary, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, the creators of NBT also included Adetunde Samuel, and Fredrica L. Teer; each with an award to be given at the gala. In addition to those three awards, there is also recognition for contributors to NBT and the community.
This year’s Trailblazer recipient is playwright, Dominique Morisseau (Detroit ’67). The Pioneer Award will honor Carmen de Lavallade, Rosalba Rolón, and Sydne Mahone. The Adetunde Samuel Award will go to directors Kwame Kwei-Armah and Kamilah Forbes. Mary Schmit Campbell and Roberta Uno will receive this year’s Frederica L. Teer Award; and the Honorable Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye will receive the Dr. Barbara Ann Teer Spirit Award. Live entertainment for the evening will feature music led by Bert Price, Nsangou Njikam, and Rain Pryor who is currently performing her one-woman show, Fried Chicken and Latkes, at NBT now until June 28.
For tickets and more information about the TEER Spirit Awards Gala and the National Black Theatre, visit www.nbtf.org.
