The Ensemble Theatre is celebrating their 46th Anniversary Season not only celebrates the genius of African American voices of the past and the present but also offers plays that explore controversial subjects facing our communities.

Brother Toad written by Nathan Louis Jackson and directed by Rachel Hemphill Dickerson and Eileen J. Morris will begin showing at The Ensemble Theatre May 11 – June 4, 2023. Previews begin May 6, 7, and 10, 2023 and opening night is May 11, 2023.

Eighteen-year-old black high school student Marques has “narrowly survived” being shot by a white man while sitting in a car with a friend, who was killed. As the show begins, Marques recuperates at home, listening to a sports-talk radio program hosted by his uncle, Randall, who announces an upcoming local march for safety from gun violence. The family’s reluctance to attend seems to stem from other, unclear concerns, but it’s that fear, in its many forms, that is a thread throughout this play. Do we need guns to keep ourselves safe? Playwright Nathan Louis Jackson aims to pose questions, not answer them. Get your tickets now for this PG-13 drama.

Audition to be on the Ensemble Theatre’s stage

Adults and youth of all ages, identities, races and body types are welcome to audition. These auditions are for talent who have never performed on The Ensemble stage and are for Mainstage and TourEd* shows. Youth (ages 6-17) only come if you have not participated in the Young Performers Program.

*TourEd shows most often take place during school hours and are performed around the city as well as in-house. Therefore, daytime availability and some travel are required. Open auditions for actors, dancers, and singers are Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 5:30-8:30pm. All general auditions are by appointment only. Artists must email a headshot and résumé prior to the audition. Artists must schedule and confirm their attendance. Prepare a 60-90 second monologue. If auditioning for musical productions, artists must also prepare 16 bars of a song (a capella) and should be able to move well. Artists should bring their headshot and resume to the audition. Please email your name, email, home number, headshot, and resume to theensemblecasting@gmail.com to schedule your audition.

Calling the next generation to the stage

The Ensemble Theatre is now enrolling young performers for their 2023 summer session. The Young Performers Program is an intensive performing arts training program that offers introductory to intermediate level training in the theatre arts. The YPP has been in existence since 1985 and has produced many outstanding artists who have gone on to perform on Broadway, in movies, for Disney, recording companies and a plethora of other professions. YPP is designed to nurture a love and discipline in the arts that combines all facets of the performing arts - theatre, music, dance, technical training, creative writing, and cultural studies - that culminates in a student-led production. Summer session one is from June 5-30, 2023, with performances on June 30 and July 1. Summer session two is from July 5-28, 2023, with performances on July 28, and 29. The session is $650 with a $50 registration fee. Visit ensemblehouston.com or contact Steven Scott at 713-807-4317 or sscott@ensemblehouston.com or more information.