15th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Cezar Williams

FRIGID New York will present the 2024 The Fire This Time Festival at a brand new home this January. The Obie Award winning festival will be celebrating its 15th anniversary with the return of its annual Ten-Minute Play Program at The Wild Project (195 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009), January 18-January 28, 2024.

The six playwrights whose ten-minute plays will receive their world premiere include Taylor A. Blackman, Kamilah Bush, Leelee Jackson, Monique Pappas-Williams, Nia Akilah Robinson and Joël René Scoville. Cezar Williams, the Producing Artistic Director of The Fire This Time who directed the 8th annual Ten-Minute Play Program returns to direct the 15th anniversary Ten-Minute Play Program.

In season 15 the ten-minute plays all focus on Black women and the Black family with themes of ten-minute plays ranging from a family who redefines the meaning of kinship, both biological and chosen, and another family who deals with the psychological toll racism has on their teenage daughter; women navigating careers as artists and activists and the demands it places on their private lives; young women confronting colorism within the Black community; and, women being empowered to reclaim their agency and autonomy by refusing to be confined by unfulfilling relationships.

It’s Karen B**** 
Written by Taylor Blackman

Mamas and Papas 
Written by Kamilah Bush

What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Written by Leelee Jackson

The Mural 
Written by Monique Pappas-Williams

Why Jamira Gotta Do All Da Werk? 
Written by Nia Akilah Robinson

Ethel & Ethel 
Written by Joël René Scoville

15th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Cezar Williams

FRIGID New York will present the 2024 The Fire This Time Festival at a brand new home this January. The Obie Award winning festival will be celebrating its 15th anniversary with the return of its annual Ten-Minute Play Program at The Wild Project (195 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009), January 18-January 28, 2024.

The six playwrights whose ten-minute plays will receive their world premiere include Taylor A. Blackman, Kamilah Bush, Leelee Jackson, Monique Pappas-Williams, Nia Akilah Robinson and Joël René Scoville. Cezar Williams, the Producing Artistic Director of The Fire This Time who directed the 8th annual Ten-Minute Play Program returns to direct the 15th anniversary Ten-Minute Play Program.

In season 15 the ten-minute plays all focus on Black women and the Black family with themes of ten-minute plays ranging from a family who redefines the meaning of kinship, both biological and chosen, and another family who deals with the psychological toll racism has on their teenage daughter; women navigating careers as artists and activists and the demands it places on their private lives; young women confronting colorism within the Black community; and, women being empowered to reclaim their agency and autonomy by refusing to be confined by unfulfilling relationships.

It’s Karen B**** 
Written by Taylor Blackman

Mamas and Papas 
Written by Kamilah Bush

What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Written by Leelee Jackson

The Mural 
Written by Monique Pappas-Williams

Why Jamira Gotta Do All Da Werk? 
Written by Nia Akilah Robinson

Ethel & Ethel 
Written by Joël René Scoville

15th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Cezar Williams

FRIGID New York will present the 2024 The Fire This Time Festival at a brand new home this January. The Obie Award winning festival will be celebrating its 15th anniversary with the return of its annual Ten-Minute Play Program at The Wild Project (195 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009), January 18-January 28, 2024.

The six playwrights whose ten-minute plays will receive their world premiere include Taylor A. Blackman, Kamilah Bush, Leelee Jackson, Monique Pappas-Williams, Nia Akilah Robinson and Joël René Scoville. Cezar Williams, the Producing Artistic Director of The Fire This Time who directed the 8th annual Ten-Minute Play Program returns to direct the 15th anniversary Ten-Minute Play Program.

In season 15 the ten-minute plays all focus on Black women and the Black family with themes of ten-minute plays ranging from a family who redefines the meaning of kinship, both biological and chosen, and another family who deals with the psychological toll racism has on their teenage daughter; women navigating careers as artists and activists and the demands it places on their private lives; young women confronting colorism within the Black community; and, women being empowered to reclaim their agency and autonomy by refusing to be confined by unfulfilling relationships.

It’s Karen B**** 
Written by Taylor Blackman

Mamas and Papas 
Written by Kamilah Bush

What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Written by Leelee Jackson

The Mural 
Written by Monique Pappas-Williams

Why Jamira Gotta Do All Da Werk? 
Written by Nia Akilah Robinson

Ethel & Ethel 
Written by Joël René Scoville

Thriving in the Theater, a panel discussion

You just have to write the play. Then you just have to get it produced. Ok, now you just have to get an agent. Ok, NOW you just have to get your agent’s attention. Actually, maybe you should move to Los Angeles to write for TV/film…If you feel like the target for what it takes to be a successful writer keeps changing, you are not alone. Since our founding 15 years ago the creative landscape for playwrights has shifted drastically, seemingly creating more opportunities across platforms for artists, but some of the obstacles have remained the same. In this panel discussion we speak with leading Black theatermakers including Keith Josef Adkins (New Black Fest), and Garlia Jones (Harlem9, Blackboard Playreading Series, Black Motherhood & Parenting New Play Festival) for a candid conversation to demystify what it takes to succeed and survive in the arts. TFTT founder and Executive Director Kelley Girod moderates.

15th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Cezar Williams

FRIGID New York will present the 2024 The Fire This Time Festival at a brand new home this January. The Obie Award winning festival will be celebrating its 15th anniversary with the return of its annual Ten-Minute Play Program at The Wild Project (195 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009), January 18-January 28, 2024.

The six playwrights whose ten-minute plays will receive their world premiere include Taylor A. Blackman, Kamilah Bush, Leelee Jackson, Monique Pappas-Williams, Nia Akilah Robinson and Joël René Scoville. Cezar Williams, the Producing Artistic Director of The Fire This Time who directed the 8th annual Ten-Minute Play Program returns to direct the 15th anniversary Ten-Minute Play Program.

In season 15 the ten-minute plays all focus on Black women and the Black family with themes of ten-minute plays ranging from a family who redefines the meaning of kinship, both biological and chosen, and another family who deals with the psychological toll racism has on their teenage daughter; women navigating careers as artists and activists and the demands it places on their private lives; young women confronting colorism within the Black community; and, women being empowered to reclaim their agency and autonomy by refusing to be confined by unfulfilling relationships.

It’s Karen B**** 
Written by Taylor Blackman

Mamas and Papas 
Written by Kamilah Bush

What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Written by Leelee Jackson

The Mural 
Written by Monique Pappas-Williams

Why Jamira Gotta Do All Da Werk? 
Written by Nia Akilah Robinson

Ethel & Ethel 
Written by Joël René Scoville

15th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Cezar Williams

FRIGID New York will present the 2024 The Fire This Time Festival at a brand new home this January. The Obie Award winning festival will be celebrating its 15th anniversary with the return of its annual Ten-Minute Play Program at The Wild Project (195 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009), January 18-January 28, 2024.

The six playwrights whose ten-minute plays will receive their world premiere include Taylor A. Blackman, Kamilah Bush, Leelee Jackson, Monique Pappas-Williams, Nia Akilah Robinson and Joël René Scoville. Cezar Williams, the Producing Artistic Director of The Fire This Time who directed the 8th annual Ten-Minute Play Program returns to direct the 15th anniversary Ten-Minute Play Program.

In season 15 the ten-minute plays all focus on Black women and the Black family with themes of ten-minute plays ranging from a family who redefines the meaning of kinship, both biological and chosen, and another family who deals with the psychological toll racism has on their teenage daughter; women navigating careers as artists and activists and the demands it places on their private lives; young women confronting colorism within the Black community; and, women being empowered to reclaim their agency and autonomy by refusing to be confined by unfulfilling relationships.

It’s Karen B**** 
Written by Taylor Blackman

Mamas and Papas 
Written by Kamilah Bush

What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Written by Leelee Jackson

The Mural 
Written by Monique Pappas-Williams

Why Jamira Gotta Do All Da Werk? 
Written by Nia Akilah Robinson

Ethel & Ethel 
Written by Joël René Scoville

15th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Cezar Williams

FRIGID New York will present the 2024 The Fire This Time Festival at a brand new home this January. The Obie Award winning festival will be celebrating its 15th anniversary with the return of its annual Ten-Minute Play Program at The Wild Project (195 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009), January 18-January 28, 2024.

The six playwrights whose ten-minute plays will receive their world premiere include Taylor A. Blackman, Kamilah Bush, Leelee Jackson, Monique Pappas-Williams, Nia Akilah Robinson and Joël René Scoville. Cezar Williams, the Producing Artistic Director of The Fire This Time who directed the 8th annual Ten-Minute Play Program returns to direct the 15th anniversary Ten-Minute Play Program.

In season 15 the ten-minute plays all focus on Black women and the Black family with themes of ten-minute plays ranging from a family who redefines the meaning of kinship, both biological and chosen, and another family who deals with the psychological toll racism has on their teenage daughter; women navigating careers as artists and activists and the demands it places on their private lives; young women confronting colorism within the Black community; and, women being empowered to reclaim their agency and autonomy by refusing to be confined by unfulfilling relationships.

It’s Karen B**** 
Written by Taylor Blackman

Mamas and Papas 
Written by Kamilah Bush

What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Written by Leelee Jackson

The Mural 
Written by Monique Pappas-Williams

Why Jamira Gotta Do All Da Werk? 
Written by Nia Akilah Robinson

Ethel & Ethel 
Written by Joël René Scoville

14th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Goldie E. Patrick

"Tuff" by Cris Eli Black
College fraternity brothers Coach and Goose meet at a bar on the one year anniversary of the passing of Coach's teenage son, who was a student athlete. The conversation quickly turns to one of accountability, reflection, and shame when Goose implies that the death may have been caused by Coach's impossible parental expectations and problematic feelings on the necessity of masculinity when it comes to Black men.

"He’s the First" by Phillip Gregory Burke
A random encounter at a library leaves two complete yet, curious strangers from different academic worlds the chance to explore their similarities or judge their books by their covers.

"Black Women in Tech" by Zachariah Ezer
Two Black women struggle to be seen by each other and the racist smart home they are trapped inside of.

"Houston"  by Andrea Frierson
“Houston, we have a problem…” It's April 13, 1970 -- the day of the aborted Apollo 13th space mission.  Alexander and his wife Shirley, attractive, award-winning concert artists, are headed by bus to Houston, Texas for a concert, but somehow end up on a rural southern farm in Alabama, causing questions to arise about emotional distance, physical proximity, authentic partnership…as well as the musical taste of farm animals.

"For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World"  by Steve Harper
Jasmine, a 20 something singer, goes undercover, posing as a maid to confront Karl, a filmmaker, in the hopes of convincing him to hire her. She engages him in a spirited debate about trends in black film casting and what makes a good actor in the hopes of impressing the stoic by-the-book director. "For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World" is an incisive comic drama about the serious business of creating art for the masses.

"Tower" by kl
At a small outpost of Tower Records, tickets are about to go on sale for the upcoming Prince and the Revolution Purple Rain tour. The Tower employees are all ready to open the store, welcome the crowd, and sell tickets, but their manager and the tickets themselves are nowhere to be found.

"#Lakeisha Jefferson" by Goldie E. Patrick
In the thick of the Black Lives Matter movement young LaKeisha Jefferson has discovered what she wants to be when she grows up...a hashtag. This chilling 10-minute play throws the complex reality of trying to grow up young, Black, and girl in a world that is determined to hunt you. Her family tries to explain to her the danger of her desire, but can't make sense of their explanation; because, in this world, her wish may make sense?

14th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Goldie E. Patrick

"Tuff" by Cris Eli Black
College fraternity brothers Coach and Goose meet at a bar on the one year anniversary of the passing of Coach's teenage son, who was a student athlete. The conversation quickly turns to one of accountability, reflection, and shame when Goose implies that the death may have been caused by Coach's impossible parental expectations and problematic feelings on the necessity of masculinity when it comes to Black men.

"He’s the First" by Phillip Gregory Burke
A random encounter at a library leaves two complete yet, curious strangers from different academic worlds the chance to explore their similarities or judge their books by their covers.

"Black Women in Tech" by Zachariah Ezer
Two Black women struggle to be seen by each other and the racist smart home they are trapped inside of.

"Houston"  by Andrea Frierson
“Houston, we have a problem…” It's April 13, 1970 -- the day of the aborted Apollo 13th space mission.  Alexander and his wife Shirley, attractive, award-winning concert artists, are headed by bus to Houston, Texas for a concert, but somehow end up on a rural southern farm in Alabama, causing questions to arise about emotional distance, physical proximity, authentic partnership…as well as the musical taste of farm animals.

"For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World"  by Steve Harper
Jasmine, a 20 something singer, goes undercover, posing as a maid to confront Karl, a filmmaker, in the hopes of convincing him to hire her. She engages him in a spirited debate about trends in black film casting and what makes a good actor in the hopes of impressing the stoic by-the-book director. "For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World" is an incisive comic drama about the serious business of creating art for the masses.

"Tower" by kl
At a small outpost of Tower Records, tickets are about to go on sale for the upcoming Prince and the Revolution Purple Rain tour. The Tower employees are all ready to open the store, welcome the crowd, and sell tickets, but their manager and the tickets themselves are nowhere to be found.

"#Lakeisha Jefferson" by Goldie E. Patrick
In the thick of the Black Lives Matter movement young LaKeisha Jefferson has discovered what she wants to be when she grows up...a hashtag. This chilling 10-minute play throws the complex reality of trying to grow up young, Black, and girl in a world that is determined to hunt you. Her family tries to explain to her the danger of her desire, but can't make sense of their explanation; because, in this world, her wish may make sense?

14th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Goldie E. Patrick

"Tuff" by Cris Eli Black
College fraternity brothers Coach and Goose meet at a bar on the one year anniversary of the passing of Coach's teenage son, who was a student athlete. The conversation quickly turns to one of accountability, reflection, and shame when Goose implies that the death may have been caused by Coach's impossible parental expectations and problematic feelings on the necessity of masculinity when it comes to Black men.

"He’s the First" by Phillip Gregory Burke
A random encounter at a library leaves two complete yet, curious strangers from different academic worlds the chance to explore their similarities or judge their books by their covers.

"Black Women in Tech" by Zachariah Ezer
Two Black women struggle to be seen by each other and the racist smart home they are trapped inside of.

"Houston"  by Andrea Frierson
“Houston, we have a problem…” It's April 13, 1970 -- the day of the aborted Apollo 13th space mission.  Alexander and his wife Shirley, attractive, award-winning concert artists, are headed by bus to Houston, Texas for a concert, but somehow end up on a rural southern farm in Alabama, causing questions to arise about emotional distance, physical proximity, authentic partnership…as well as the musical taste of farm animals.

"For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World"  by Steve Harper
Jasmine, a 20 something singer, goes undercover, posing as a maid to confront Karl, a filmmaker, in the hopes of convincing him to hire her. She engages him in a spirited debate about trends in black film casting and what makes a good actor in the hopes of impressing the stoic by-the-book director. "For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World" is an incisive comic drama about the serious business of creating art for the masses.

"Tower" by kl
At a small outpost of Tower Records, tickets are about to go on sale for the upcoming Prince and the Revolution Purple Rain tour. The Tower employees are all ready to open the store, welcome the crowd, and sell tickets, but their manager and the tickets themselves are nowhere to be found.

"#Lakeisha Jefferson" by Goldie E. Patrick
In the thick of the Black Lives Matter movement young LaKeisha Jefferson has discovered what she wants to be when she grows up...a hashtag. This chilling 10-minute play throws the complex reality of trying to grow up young, Black, and girl in a world that is determined to hunt you. Her family tries to explain to her the danger of her desire, but can't make sense of their explanation; because, in this world, her wish may make sense?

"A Body of Water," a full-length play reading

By Kelley Girod

Directed by Andrew Block

“A Body of Water” is the final play in Kelley Nicole Girod’s Louisiana play cycle that pays homage to her Southern/Black/Cajun-Creole roots and brings to the stage the unique experiences of Louisiana life and history. “A Body of Water” tells the story of the Girod Family matriarch, Martha, who finds herself in an existential crisis as she deals with cancer recovery and a major life transition. In the midst of this, she is forced to confront a past that still haunts her when The Great Flood of Baton Rouge (2016) leaves her homeless, washing away the stability that she has worked so hard to attain after a childhood in sharecropper shacks and cotton fields.

A staged reading of four new short plays, including “Cinderella Eats the Couch,” “Serving Nata$,” “Church Goes Zoom,” and “Living Through French, Impressionist Paintings and Postcards” by TFTT season six playwright Julienne Hairston

Directed by Kevin R. Free

"Cinderella Eats the Couch"

Keisha is fed up with her abusive family making demands. This Easter she takes matters into her own hands- they won’t be bothering her anymore.

"Serving NaTa$"

Taking part of a reality tv competition, Monifa finds herself a surprising finalist. Can she convince the other women that they have the power within themselves to make a difference and create their own destiny?

"Church Goes Zoom"

Ninety year-old Addie, is stuck in her apartment during the pandemic and gets help from a stranger. Will they learn to open their hearts to someone who is different?

"Living Through French, Impressionist Paintings and Postcards"

Grace is at a turning point: she either takes a chance and leans into the future or stays where she’s comfortable; making the decision hard is her love for young Janie. Three visitors are determined to push her into making the right decision.

14th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Goldie E. Patrick

"Tuff" by Cris Eli Black
College fraternity brothers Coach and Goose meet at a bar on the one year anniversary of the passing of Coach's teenage son, who was a student athlete. The conversation quickly turns to one of accountability, reflection, and shame when Goose implies that the death may have been caused by Coach's impossible parental expectations and problematic feelings on the necessity of masculinity when it comes to Black men.

"He’s the First" by Phillip Gregory Burke
A random encounter at a library leaves two complete yet, curious strangers from different academic worlds the chance to explore their similarities or judge their books by their covers.

"Black Women in Tech" by Zachariah Ezer
Two Black women struggle to be seen by each other and the racist smart home they are trapped inside of.

"Houston"  by Andrea Frierson
“Houston, we have a problem…” It's April 13, 1970 -- the day of the aborted Apollo 13th space mission.  Alexander and his wife Shirley, attractive, award-winning concert artists, are headed by bus to Houston, Texas for a concert, but somehow end up on a rural southern farm in Alabama, causing questions to arise about emotional distance, physical proximity, authentic partnership…as well as the musical taste of farm animals.

"For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World"  by Steve Harper
Jasmine, a 20 something singer, goes undercover, posing as a maid to confront Karl, a filmmaker, in the hopes of convincing him to hire her. She engages him in a spirited debate about trends in black film casting and what makes a good actor in the hopes of impressing the stoic by-the-book director. "For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World" is an incisive comic drama about the serious business of creating art for the masses.

"Tower" by kl
At a small outpost of Tower Records, tickets are about to go on sale for the upcoming Prince and the Revolution Purple Rain tour. The Tower employees are all ready to open the store, welcome the crowd, and sell tickets, but their manager and the tickets themselves are nowhere to be found.

"#Lakeisha Jefferson" by Goldie E. Patrick
In the thick of the Black Lives Matter movement young LaKeisha Jefferson has discovered what she wants to be when she grows up...a hashtag. This chilling 10-minute play throws the complex reality of trying to grow up young, Black, and girl in a world that is determined to hunt you. Her family tries to explain to her the danger of her desire, but can't make sense of their explanation; because, in this world, her wish may make sense?

14th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Goldie E. Patrick

"Tuff" by Cris Eli Black
College fraternity brothers Coach and Goose meet at a bar on the one year anniversary of the passing of Coach's teenage son, who was a student athlete. The conversation quickly turns to one of accountability, reflection, and shame when Goose implies that the death may have been caused by Coach's impossible parental expectations and problematic feelings on the necessity of masculinity when it comes to Black men.

"He’s the First" by Phillip Gregory Burke
A random encounter at a library leaves two complete yet, curious strangers from different academic worlds the chance to explore their similarities or judge their books by their covers.

"Black Women in Tech" by Zachariah Ezer
Two Black women struggle to be seen by each other and the racist smart home they are trapped inside of.

"Houston"  by Andrea Frierson
“Houston, we have a problem…” It's April 13, 1970 -- the day of the aborted Apollo 13th space mission.  Alexander and his wife Shirley, attractive, award-winning concert artists, are headed by bus to Houston, Texas for a concert, but somehow end up on a rural southern farm in Alabama, causing questions to arise about emotional distance, physical proximity, authentic partnership…as well as the musical taste of farm animals.

"For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World"  by Steve Harper
Jasmine, a 20 something singer, goes undercover, posing as a maid to confront Karl, a filmmaker, in the hopes of convincing him to hire her. She engages him in a spirited debate about trends in black film casting and what makes a good actor in the hopes of impressing the stoic by-the-book director. "For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World" is an incisive comic drama about the serious business of creating art for the masses.

"Tower" by kl
At a small outpost of Tower Records, tickets are about to go on sale for the upcoming Prince and the Revolution Purple Rain tour. The Tower employees are all ready to open the store, welcome the crowd, and sell tickets, but their manager and the tickets themselves are nowhere to be found.

"#Lakeisha Jefferson" by Goldie E. Patrick
In the thick of the Black Lives Matter movement young LaKeisha Jefferson has discovered what she wants to be when she grows up...a hashtag. This chilling 10-minute play throws the complex reality of trying to grow up young, Black, and girl in a world that is determined to hunt you. Her family tries to explain to her the danger of her desire, but can't make sense of their explanation; because, in this world, her wish may make sense?

14th Annual Ten-Minute Play Program
Directed by Goldie E. Patrick

"Tuff" by Cris Eli Black
College fraternity brothers Coach and Goose meet at a bar on the one year anniversary of the passing of Coach's teenage son, who was a student athlete. The conversation quickly turns to one of accountability, reflection, and shame when Goose implies that the death may have been caused by Coach's impossible parental expectations and problematic feelings on the necessity of masculinity when it comes to Black men.

"He’s the First" by Phillip Gregory Burke
A random encounter at a library leaves two complete yet, curious strangers from different academic worlds the chance to explore their similarities or judge their books by their covers.

"Black Women in Tech" by Zachariah Ezer
Two Black women struggle to be seen by each other and the racist smart home they are trapped inside of.

"Houston"  by Andrea Frierson
“Houston, we have a problem…” It's April 13, 1970 -- the day of the aborted Apollo 13th space mission.  Alexander and his wife Shirley, attractive, award-winning concert artists, are headed by bus to Houston, Texas for a concert, but somehow end up on a rural southern farm in Alabama, causing questions to arise about emotional distance, physical proximity, authentic partnership…as well as the musical taste of farm animals.

"For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World"  by Steve Harper
Jasmine, a 20 something singer, goes undercover, posing as a maid to confront Karl, a filmmaker, in the hopes of convincing him to hire her. She engages him in a spirited debate about trends in black film casting and what makes a good actor in the hopes of impressing the stoic by-the-book director. "For the Dark-Skinned Movie Going People of the World" is an incisive comic drama about the serious business of creating art for the masses.

"Tower" by kl
At a small outpost of Tower Records, tickets are about to go on sale for the upcoming Prince and the Revolution Purple Rain tour. The Tower employees are all ready to open the store, welcome the crowd, and sell tickets, but their manager and the tickets themselves are nowhere to be found.

"#Lakeisha Jefferson" by Goldie E. Patrick
In the thick of the Black Lives Matter movement young LaKeisha Jefferson has discovered what she wants to be when she grows up...a hashtag. This chilling 10-minute play throws the complex reality of trying to grow up young, Black, and girl in a world that is determined to hunt you. Her family tries to explain to her the danger of her desire, but can't make sense of their explanation; because, in this world, her wish may make sense?

Open Mic Night
Hosted by Najah Imani Muhammad

"The Fire This Time festival kicks off its 14th season by bringing back their memorable open mic. Artists are encouraged to take the stage and share pieces that make them feel, deeply. Whether it’s storytelling, standup comedy, monologues, songs or poems, The Fire This Time Festival Open Mic is the place to express yourself and leave it all on the stage. Hosted by Najah Imani Muhammad, this is sure to be an unforgettable evening kicking off a fiery and passionate 14th season!

Activate: Open Mic - Part 3 will give black and brown artists the opportunity to shine their light! We expect to see a myriad of poems, monologues and other forms of self expression at this event.

2020's Impact on the Arts: Panel Discussion- Part 2 is dedicated to empowering artists of color with the information they need to thrive in the arts and entertainment industry. We will discuss 2020's impact on the arts and develop strategies to come out of this year stronger. This event will feature a panel discussion with some of the industries strongest BIPOC professionals. 

Time to Thrive: Wellness Workshop - Part 1 will provide resources for wellness to artists of color. The evening will start with a community check in and transition to an African Dance class lead by Aatifa Drayton. After, we will have a conversation on mental health and spiritual wellness with Reverend Melissa Moorer-Nobles  (Interfaith Minister & Life Coach) and Dr. Gregory Mack Ph.D (Clinical Psychologist).

We are excited to announce that The Fire This Time Festival will be taking over Playbill’s Instagram account for the day!

Follow them at @playbill and tune in to the excited content we have planned for the day.