WACO Theater Center and Watts Village Theater Company present the world premier of Marty and the Hands that Could by Josh Wilder, directed by Larry Powell.

Released from prison on the eve of his 25th birthday, Marty returns home to his family, equipped with a handwritten manuscript and big dream...

What do we witness when we see through the eyes of Black women? What becomes visible? How does looking alongside Black women shift our point-of-view?

Exploring themes of identity, girlhood, womanhood, family, community care, future-making and dreaming, WITNESS invites you to look alongside and t...

Black Hömer reveals an alternative window in which to explore—“Epiic”—poetry in motion. The Greek author and poet Homer has been noted as one of “the greatest of all time...” but to whose standards? Creator and choreographer Friidom Dunn wants audiences to recognize the Odyssey-like journey we ea...

Featuring interviews from the cast and crew, as well as behind-the-scenes footage, this mini-documentary takes a look at the making of the film Black Terror. Based on the original play by Richard Wesley, and directed by Richard Lawson, this bi-coastal production between WACO Theater Center and Ne...

This program works with teen filmmakers to utilize film as a tool for self-expression, communication and mental health awareness. Alongside industry mentors, participants learn about themselves, develop their artistic voices, and showcase their stories through filmmaking.

Join us in virtually (v...

Using elements of theater and film, this "plim" (play + film) collaboration illuminates the urgent demands and extreme sacrifices at the center of Black liberation struggles. Watch the table read and decide: What path toward freedom would you take?

Films For Teens By Teens inaugural program film festival utilized film as a tool for self-expression, communication, and mental health awareness. Teaching Artists and Mentors include: Alexander Leonard, Beth Berlin, Bria Williams, Gian Pettus, Israel Spencer, Johnny Bazaldua, Kasiopa Watts, Kelly...

WACO Theater Center in Association with Richard Lawson Studios Presents: Films For Teens By Teens Inaugural Film Festival. This festival will showcase student films created as a tool for self-expression, communication, and mental health awareness. We aim to elevate and empower student’s voices th...

Hosted on the WACO Theater Center Instagram Live (@wacotheater), this series highlights Black artists and their artistry--in short 15 minute segments. Follow along to meet artists supported on WACO's stage, exhibition gallery and programs. This episode is a part of the Black Musical Theatre Seri...

Each month, these 15-minute guided conversations on WACO's Instagram Live, celebrate Black artists and their work. This week, we are being joined by @blackgirlinlove, a “bad-ass Jamaican-British-Canadian, truth-teller, award-winning writer, and wellness expert. She’s the girl to call when you wa...

Each month, these 15-minute guided conversations on WACO's Instagram Live celebrate Black artists and their work. This week, we are being joined by @iamterrencet, a Daytime Emmy Award-winning actor, philanthropist, singer and author who also gives back with @mstinalawson Angels and @mrrichardlaws...

Moderated by Salamishah Tillet, a Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times contributing critic-at large, in partnership with WACO Theater Center, Newark Symphony Hall, Yendor Theatre Company and Richard Lawson Studios, Revolutionary Roundtable, is a pre-recorded virtual salon centering the role ...

Hosted by Artistic Director Tina Knowles Lawson, WACO Theater Center, in partnership with Newark Symphony Hall and Yendor Theatre Company present Revolutionary Black Women, a virtual discussion centering the role Black women play in movements of revolution. Using never before seen clips from the ...

"A fireside chat with WACO Co-Artistic Director Tina Knowles Lawson and Essence Magazine Editor-at-Large, Mikki Taylor.

Produced by Newark Symphony Hall, the conversation offers an intimate discussion about the importance of Black art, Black culture, new projects, and more.

This event was orig...

Longtime creative collaborators, Richard Lawson and Richard Wesley reminisce on the Black Arts Movement, Black Power Movement and the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Drama Desk award winning play Black Terror, set to premier on screen in Fall 2022. Actor, director and master teacher Ri...