Robey in The Community
Of the almost 200 theatres in Los Angeles, only four are devoted to serving the African-American community: the Town Street Theatre, Unity Players Ensemble, Ebony Repertory Theatre, and the Robey Theatre Company. Each of these organizations is committed to producing works that explore the Black experience. All support theatre artists of color in their search for artistic fulfillment and some provide time, educational opportunities, and encouragement for such growth while contributing to high standards of excellence in the Black theatre in America. Robey is the theatre that remains consistent with its focus on the progressive, on-going quality in its choice of projects and their execution.
Partnerships
In addition to its partnerships with other cultural organizations, Robey has worked with the commercial entertainment industry to expand opportunities for multi-cultural artists. In 1999, Robey also collaborated with Elephant Industries, Inc., to co-produce its highly-successful second production, "Bee-Luther-Hatchee." Plays that have been read or produced by the Robey have been picked by such companies as HBO and Showtime for development as films. Robey's long-time association with Carrie Productions, which provides Robey with support services, confirms that the industry can be supportive of the non-profit theatre which supply it with material. Network Television has partnered with Robey; CBS, ABC, and FOX have worked with the company on several diversity projects aimed at giving artists of color access to the industry.
Shoulder to Shoulder
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Robey offers an extensive program for playwrights that develops and produces their work as well as a training program for actors. There is also an outreach program introducing the performing arts to middle school students. Through its collaborations with both nonprofit and commercial companies, Robey offers its company members and audiences an opportunity to participate in some of the best, provocative and innovative theatre in Los Angeles. It offers multicultural artists the chance to advance their careers and their work through its association with prominent artists of color. The Robey Theatre Company presents theatre that explores.
Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN), The Robey Theatre Company and Ebony Repertory Theatre presented the 1st annual "Shoulder to Shoulder: African-Americans, the Arts and Autism" on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center. This special event benefiting children with autism and related disorders featured celebrity actors in an evening of theatrical performances celebrating African American heritage and the pursuit of human rights.
SNN is proud to partner with the City of Los Angeles in raising awareness of autism during African-American Heritage Month. Through this partnership the City is exercising its commitment to the thousands of children and adults in the City of Los Angeles who have autism and related disorders. Danny Glover joins a renowned group of civic leaders and arts philanthropists as Honorary Co-Chair of the event, including legendary actor Blair Underwood and Dr. LaDoris McClaney. Proceeds from the event benefit Children with Autism and related disorders.