Shades of Black Theatre Festival still growing

A lot has changed since SistaStyle Productions, Dream 7 Theatre Productions and the Destiny Theatre Experience first teamed up to establish the Shades of Black Theatre Festival. But one thing that remains constant is the festival organizers’ commitment to excellence.

Now in its fourth year, Shades of Black continues to “showcase quality black theater in the Nashville area” by offering a wide range of theater events and workshops. This year’s schedule includes several full-length plays, an emerging playwrights’ reading, a late-night poetry jam, a short film showcase and even a comedy show.

“Each year, we try to incorporate new events that we didn’t have the year before,” said Shawn Whitsell, artistic director of the Destiny Theatre Experience and one of the festival’s organizers. “Last year, we introduced the short film showcase and the late night poetry slam. This year, we’ve maintained those events but also added the late-night stand-up and sketch comedy show. We’ve increased the number of shows, and we’ve greatly increased the number of actors that are participating.”

Whitsell says that by adding such variety to the line-up, the festival continues to stay fresh while attracting a loyal following.

“Although plays are and will always be the main focal point of the festival, people get to enjoy other activities,” Whitsell said. “Festival goers have a wider range of options. We’re not just providing opportunities for theater artists, but also filmmakers, comedians and poets.”

The festival continues tonight with Gail Wynn Huland El’s dark comedy Green Honey Love, followed by William Mastrosimone’s ground-breaking play Extremities this weekend – both produced by SistaStyle. A free children’s acting workshop is set for Saturday, along with the much-anticipated stand-up and sketch comedy show.

“Shades of Black is unique because there is no other event of its magnitude in Nashville in which so many theater companies join forces for such an extended period of time,” Whitsell said. “Each company involved has carved out its own place in the landscape of local theater, yet we get together each year for this joint effort. It’s not something we have to do, but it’s something we love to do. And it’s great for the city of Nashville.”

Highly engaging and always accessible, Shades of Black reminds us of the many voices — and the tremendous talent — that make up Nashville’s theater scene.

What: The 4th Annual Shades of Black Theatre Festival
When: Through Sept. 26
Where: Darkhorse Theater, 4610 Charlotte Ave.
Cost: $15 at the door/$12 online
Info: 781-3904 or shadesofblackfestival.com