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NAATC IN THE NEWS

Keep up with news from Indy's First Black Equity Theatre! 

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The Naptown African American Theatre Collective Is Honored to be Highlighted in the American Theatre Magazine During the Inaugural Season Launch!
Click on the Full Article (photo) Below!  

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01

NAATC in the Indy Star 

Indianapolis Star reporter Domenica Bongiovanni covers feature story on the Naptown African American Theatre Collective Inc. with our founder/producing director LaKesha Lorene and board Vice President Mariah Ivey. 

The future of theatre is bright. Find out how NAATC plans to make it even brighter for the Indianapolis community. 

02

NAATC on WISH TV 8

WISH TV Reporter Katiera Winfrey celebrates women's history month by highlighting women-led organization and NAATC's plans to add to the theatre community. 

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03

NAATC in the Indianapolis Recorder

Indianapolis Recorder staff writer Chloe McGowan covers the Naptown African American Theatre Collective Inc. origin story, the need for our theatre in the community and plans for the season opener with multifaceted artist and PHD candidate Austin Dean Ashford. 

04

NAATC Black Book Review by John & Wendy
(Theatre Critics) 

John & Wendy review NAATC's sold out inaugural opener, Black Book, written and performed by Austin Dean Ashford, directed by Dexter Singleton as part of a "bold premiere season."

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05

Indianapolis Recorder Reviews NAATC's Production of "Black Book"

Indianapolis Recorder staff writer Chloe McGowan covers the sold out premiere of the inaugural NAATC season with Austin Dean Ashford's Black Book! 

06

Indianapolis Recorder Reviews NAATC's Production of "Detroit '67"

Indianapolis Recorder staff writer Chloe McGowan covers the sold out premiere of Detroit '67 by Dominique Morisseau, directed by D'yshe Mansfield! 

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WFYI Catches Up With NAATC as The Curtain Rises on Indy's First Black Theatre Collective 

WFYI's Reporter Ray Steele sits down with our Detroit '67 cast and producing director to talk about the impact of being the first Black Equity Theatre in the city and why Detroit '67 written by Dominique Morisseau is important for audiences to see! 

08

Indianapolis Star Captures Dress Rehearsal of Detroit '67

Indy Star Photographer Hali Taux captures moments from tech week for NAATC's Indianapolis Premiere of Detroit '67! 

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09

INDY NOW Showcases Detroit '67 Cast Talent and Looks Forward to the Soul Train Dance Party 

The Detroit '67 company sits down with Indy NOW for a special performance of a scene from Dominique Morisseau's Detroit '67 and promote tickets to the opening night Soul Train Dance Party! 

Photography by The Orange Portrait

10

Adam Crowe from "A Seat on the Aisle" Reviews Detroit '67!

Quote from Adam Crowe - "Bottom Line: NAATC is a long overdue addition to the Indianapolis theater scene." Click the photo to view the full review! Thank you Adam for reviewing our show! 

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Photography by The Silver Eroh Photography and Hospitality 

11

NAATC Wins ARTI Award "Cultural Entrepreneur"!

Since 1987, ARTI award winners have been recognized during the council's Start With Art Celebration that kicks off the fall art, gallery, and cultural season. The NAATC is honored by the Indy Arts Council for advancing arts and culture in the Circle City.

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Photography by The Orange Portrait

ALL INDIANA via WISH-TV Highlights the NAATC's Mission to Forging a New Path For Black Theatre Artists

LaKesha Lorene and Ennis Adams join All Indiana via WISH-TV to discuss their groundbreaking initiative to pave the way for Black theatre artists in Indiana. Through innovative programming and community engagement, they create a vibrant platform that amplifies diverse voices and fosters artistic collaboration. Tune in to learn how they’re transforming the local theatre landscape and inspiring the next generation of talent.

13

Indiana Minority Business Magazine Highlights Naptown African American Theatre Collective!

Chloe McGowan highlights NAATC and its mission to empower artists through training and opportunities!

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14

LOUHARRY Shares Their Thoughts on NAATC's "Detroit '67"

Quote from Lou Harry: "... the greatest strength of “Detroit 67” is in the small moments between its main characters." Thank you Lou for reviewing our show! Click the photo for the full review!

15

NUVO - Real Life: NAATC’s "Detroit ’67"

Quote from Lisa Gauthier Mitchison - "The cast members mesh. Their interactions are easy like they’ve known each other for years. This is a family. This was real life in 1967 Detroit, and we need to remember it. " Click the photo to view the full review! Thank you Lisa for reviewing our show! 

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16

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FOX59 talks about "Detroit '67" and NAATC Paving the Way for Indianapolis Theatre 

Indianapolis' first Black Equity Theatre is putting on a performance of "Detroit '67." Daniel Martin, one of the show's actors, and Lakesha Lorene, the NAATC Founder and Producing Director, stopped by the FOX59 studio to talk about the show.

17

JOHN & WENDY - NAATC keeps high standard with run of ‘Detroit ’67’

Quote from John Lyle Belden - "This company is upping the quality of Indy’s cultural scene – setting the trend." Click the photo to view the full review! Thank you John for reviewing our show! 

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18

Indianapolis Theatre Reviews says NAATC is a FAMILY!
 

Click the photo for a review of our second show in NAATC's inaugural season! Discover the powerful themes and standout performances that brought this production to life, as well as insights from both the cast and audience. Don’t miss the chance to explore what makes this season so special!

19

INDY NOW, FOX59 - Naptown African American Theatre Collective performs!

Click the video to watch the cast of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom perform a snippet on INDY NOW, Fox 59 News!

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20

16 Tech Grants NAATC $99,600!
 

Thank you 16 Tech for granting NAATC funds to support Education for All! We aim to diversify theatre arts employment, NAATC’s Education 4 All Program will give Indianapolis artists access to opportunities to study wig design, set design, sound design, technical directing, acting, theatre directing, and more free of cost.

21

NAATC on WTHR 13
 

WTHR features the NAATC, noting that Indianapolis' first Black equity theatre is changing the arts landscape!

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22

WRTV Indianapolis features NAATC!
 

Thank you WRTV for featuring the NAATC! Check out this video highlighting how we provide artistic opportunities to the Black community!

23

INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER - NAATC bringing ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ to Indy stage after 40 years

Quote from the article - "The show is making its return on the coattails of Black History Month and just in time for Women’s History Month, bringing attention to powerful Black women who stood up for themselves and their creativity and paved the way for women behind the NAATC, who work to and create and keep these stories alive."

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24

Lou Harry onNAATC's cementing its legacy!

Thank you Lou for coming to our preview of "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"! Click the photo to read the full review!

25

JOHN & WENDY - NAATC Mounts Top Quality 'Black Bottom'

Click the photo to read this delightful review of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom! Thank you John & Wendy for supporting the show and reading this article!

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26

NUVO Reviews Ma Rainey's Black Bottom!

NUVO leaves a wonderful review on Ma Rainey's Black Bottom! Highlighting the show's appearance in Indianapolis after 40 years!

27

INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER says that NAATC's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is BREATHTAKING

Quote from the article - "It is rare that live theater can feel that real — that critical. Catharsis does not always happen right as the curtain closes; it may hit you a few days later." Thank you Indianapolis Recorder for highlighting our production!

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WISH-TV highlights how NAATC promotes equality!

Thank you WISH-TV for showcasing our mission here at NAATC! Click the image for the video!

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INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER on NAATC's New Program: Education for All!

Click the image to read all about Education for All - our new program for aspiring artists and theater professionals! 

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30

WFYi features NAATC's Education For All!

Thank you WFYi for featuring Education for All! Our mission at NAATC is to educate, equip and empower the community through job creation through production jobs and through storytelling. Read this article to find out more about our program initiative!

31

IndyStar - Indy's first Black equity theater hosts free classes, including one taught by a Tony winner.

Thank you, IndyStar for featuring Education For All in this article! Click the image to read more on our wig design classes taught by Tony Award winner, Nikiya Mathis! 

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