Houston, TX-The Ensemble Theatre’s 50th Season is not just a milestone in the journey of the theatre; it marks a half-century of culturally relevant, community enhancing, and legacy establishing storytelling that has become a standard of excellence in not only African American theatre, but American theatre overall.  The Ensemble Theatre’s mainstage lineup is packed with inspiring and impactful productions that all audiences will enjoy.  The Ensemble Theatre’s Education Department will continue to provide enriching programming that not only fulfills the theatre’s Mission but also enhances the lives of youth and families across Houston and the surrounding communities.  In addition to the productions and programming that Houston has grown to love, The Ensemble Theatre has planned a series of special events and celebrations to mark this milestone; including the Celebrity Gala, the Giorgee Awards, a Charity Golf Tournament, and other high-profile special events that highlight the theatre’s art & artistry, History & Legacy, and African American Culture.

Written by Tony-Award winning Playwright Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins and Directed by Eileen J. Morris, ‘Purpose’ is a gripping and darkly funny drama that explores a moment in the lives of the Jenkins’ family as they are each forced to confront who they truly are, what they believe in, and what legacy they leave behind (Rated PG-13) Regional Premiere/Drama

Previews September 12th, 13th, 16th, and 17th  2026

Showing September 18th-October 11th  2026

The Ensemble Theatre is reviving this joyful, soulful, and fun holiday review by popular demand!  ‘A Motown Christmas’ is a feel-good celebration of the soul-stirring sounds of Motown, combined with a perfect blend of traditional Christmas carols is a treat for the entire family.  Bring in the holiday spirit with soul with this modern classic written by Nate Jacobs, Directed and choreographed by Monica Josette, with musical direction by Melanie Bivens (Rated G) Revival/Musical

Previews November 7th, 8th, 11th, and 12th 2026

Showing November 13th-December 20th 2026

Inspired by the historic Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881, this dynamic play Written by Kelundra Smith and Directed by Eileen J. Morris, follows the journey of women who dared to demand more-more pay, more respect, more power over their own lives.  This story offers an intimate and often funny look at ordinary women who went from workers to fighters-and won! (Rated PG) Regional Premiere/Drama

Previews January 16th,17th, 20th, and 21st 2027

Showing January 22nd-February 21st 2027

The Ensemble Theatre revisits the classic by Lorraine Hansberry next Spring.  Set on Chicago’s South Side, ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ centers around the divergent dreams and struggle within three generations of the Younger family.  The Younger family’s heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of promise and inspiration.  ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ is Directed by Eileen J. Morris (Rated PG) Revival/Drama

Previews March 13th, 14th, 17th, and 18th 2027

Showing March 19th-April 11th 2027

‘The Colored Museum’ is a laugh-out-loud theatrical experience that goes from outrageous satire to deeply poignant reflection, taking aims at stereotypes of Black life in America.  Written by George C. Wolfe; Wolfe’s satiric sketches dare us to confront the past while making space for an honest and liberated future.  ‘The Colored Museum’ is Directed by Rachel H. Dickson. (Rated PG-13) Revival/Satire

Previews May 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th  2027

Showing May 7th-May 30th  2027

In this a cappella musical, the characters, comradery, relationships, spirit and sorrows of the world renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers who shattered racial barriers in the United States and abroad.  The Jubilee Singers share their personal histories through powerful vignettes full of humor, heartbreak and hope through arrangements of over 40 spirituals.  ‘Jubilee’ is written by Tazewell Thompson, and directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris, with musical direction by Phillip Hall.(Rated PG) Drama

Previews June 19th, 20th, 23rd, and 24th 2027

Showing June 25th-July 25th 2027

The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. It is the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest, and it also holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s largest African American theatres that owns and operates its facility with an in-house production team. Fifty years later, the theatre remains one of Houston’s finest historical cultural institutions.

The Ensemble Theatre produces a main stage season of six contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The theatre’s Education Department provides educational workshops, Artist-in-Residence experiences, and a season of live performances for students both off-site and at the theatre. The Young Performers Program offers STEM-centered training for children ages 6 to 17, encompassing instruction in all disciplines of the theatre arts.