Black Theatre Troupe proudly unveils its 2025–2026 season, a compelling mix of beloved classics and new discoveries that explore resilience, connection, and transformation. Featuring poignant dramas, vibrant musicals, and BTT’s legendary holiday tradition, the season celebrates the enduring spirit of community and the power of storytelling to illuminate the Black experience in America.
Season Flex Passes are now available, offering 4-play, 3-play, and 2-play packages at $159, $129, and $89 respectively. Passes can be used in any combination for any play or any seat—excluding Black Nativity, which is not eligible for Flex Pass redemption. Season Flex Passes and single tickets are available at blacktheatretroupe.org or by calling (602) 258-8128.
“This season is a celebration of humanity in all its joy and complexity,” says David Hemphill, Executive Director of Black Theatre Troupe. “We’re inviting audiences to laugh, cry, reflect, and rise with these stories—each one unique, but deeply connected by the shared experiences of our past and the hope of our future.”
All performances—except Caroline, or Change—will take place at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, located at 1333 E. Washington Street in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Caroline, or Change will be presented at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe, offering audiences an opportunity to experience this groundbreaking musical in a larger venue designed for grand, immersive productions.
2025–2026 SEASON
Grace and Glorie
By Tom Ziegler
Sept 5–21, 2025
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
Glorie, a former high-powered New York City executive and her family move to the south. In her role as a hospice volunteer, she grows close to an illiterate elderly farm woman. Set in Virginia, Grace and Glorie is a touching and funny story of two ordinary women and their extraordinary stories. Grace, is a strong willed and fiercely independent woman who has returned to her beloved land to spend her final days. As their very different lives intertwine, we see each gain new perspectives on life’s highs and lows.
Caroline, or Change
Book and Lyrics by Tony Kushner
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Oct 17–Nov 2, 2025
Tempe Center for the Arts
The time is 1963 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Caroline Thibodeaux, an African-American mother of three, works for a Jewish family. She and their eight-year-old son Noah, find themselves in the middle of a family conflict during the Christmas and Chanukah holidays. Combining gospel and the sounds of Motown with operatic stylings, this sparkling gem of a musical illuminates the changing times of the Civil Rights era while examining the social and family issues our diverse culture still struggles with today.
Black Nativity
By Langston Hughes
Dec 5–14, 2025
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
Last season’s sold out and legendary holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, returns to the BTT stage for a special engagement. This stunning new production of Black Nativity is without a doubt a theatrical wonderment. A joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians deliver its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. This song-play touches a special chord in the hearts of all at a very special time of the year.
August Wilson’s Jitney
Feb 6–22, 2026
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
August Wilson’s Jitney, written in 1979 is the first of the 10 monumental works in the American Century Cycle- his epic collection of plays that span across the decades to document African American experiences in the 20th century.
Set in 1977 Pittsburgh during the frenzy of “urban renewal” the play follows the personal struggles of five cab drivers as their jobs, futures and their cab stand are threatened as the city is shutting down businesses. As the unfair grip of gentrification has seized not only Pittsburgh, but marginalized, minority communities across the entire nation, we witness the fabric and vitality of the community as it unravels under this strain.
Three Sistahs
Story by Janet Pryce
Book & Lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II
Music by William Hubbard
Mar 27–Apr 12, 2026
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
In this elegant, intimate musical, inspired by Anton Chekov’s Three Sisters, Irene, Marsha and Olive Bradshaw reunite to reveal and reconcile their past and present. On this night they share the promise for the future. A hauntingly beautiful musical score lifts their story to strange, compelling heights and a stunning conclusion.
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