2026 Black Theatre and Dance Symposium

[KenYatta Rogers]

Hello Galvanize Family.

Hoping to see you in two weeks! Click the links below to see the wonderful theatre and dance community members participating this year. Light meals and refreshments provided.

See the full schedule here. 

Register here.

You are invited to join us for the 2026 Black Theatre and Dance Symposium on Saturday, April 18 at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center here at UMD.

Our Keynote speaker will be Spoken Word Artist, Writer & Librettist, Cultural Strategist Marc Buthumi Joseph (breakfast at 9am with the keynote speech at 9:30am). Spend the day with us as scholars and artists engage topics including dance education, theatre for young audiences, dance and culture across the diaspora, and the enduring legacy of August Wilson, among many others explored in our workshops and panels. Top the evening off with our Mock Ball hosted by DMV Kiki Nights.

This year's theme is “ABUNDANCE: Basking in Community and Allyship.” We invite you to join scholars and artists in dynamic conversations, community exchanges, and interactive performances. Together, we will uplift, witness, and center the power of storytelling, the essential practice of allyship, and the vital ways we sustain each other across the diaspora.

The 2026 Black Theatre and Dance Symposium is a space for abundant creativity and deep community. Join us for this all day, celebratory event!

KenYatta Rogers

Director. Actor. Educator.
301.806.4660

"Any form of art is a power; it has impact, it can effect change - it can not only move us, it can make us move."
     ~ Ossie Davis