Texas Southern University's Fine Arts Week has returned, with the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and the Department of Music collaborating to celebrate the arts on campus. This year's event honors alumnus Edwin Lee Gibson, an Emmy and SAG Award winner for FX's "The Bear," who will receive the Dianne Jemison Pollard Award for Distinguished Achievement in Acting. Sponsored by Main Street Theatre, The Ensemble Theatre (TET), PCS Telecom, and the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences at Texas Southern University, Fine Arts Week 2024 kicked off with the Monterey Jazz Festival on April 4th and 5th, featuring Darin Atwater, the Festival's Artistic Director.

The week will conclude with performances of the musical "The Color Purple" on April 12th at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., April 13th at 7:00 p.m., and April 14th at 3:00 p.m. Additionally, a series of workshops and panels are scheduled from April 8th to 14th. Highlights include a public Jazz Big Band rehearsal on April 9th at 11:00 a.m., a Theatrical Intimacy Workshop and Acting Workshop on April 10th at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. respectively, and a Technical Theatre Workshop at 2:00 p.m., all taking place in Ollington Smith Playhouse.

On April 11th, the Opera Workshop will showcase scenes at 11:30 a.m. in Ollington Smith Playhouse, followed by a panel titled "Making Money in Music" at 2:00 p.m. in room 101 of the R.S. Music Center.

A special talk with actor Edwin Lee Gibson is scheduled for April 14th at 11:00 a.m. at The Ensemble Theatre. Gibson, a Texas Southern University graduate in Math and Theatre, has appeared in numerous Equity plays and received accolades for his role in "The Bear." The discussion will be moderated by TET's Artistic Director, Mrs. Eileen Morris.

"The Color Purple," the week's culminating event, is a musical featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music, and blues, showcasing a story of hope, love, and life's celebration. Mr. Gibson will be honored during the Saturday performance.