Ebony Repertory Theatre

Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT) is a prominent African American professional theatre company, recognized by Actors Equity, based in Los Angeles. It was co-founded by Wren T. Brown and Israel Hicks in June 2007 and has since established itself as the Resident Company and Operator of the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, a 400-seat venue. ERT is notable for being the only African American professional theatre company of its kind in Los Angeles. ERT's inception was driven by a commitment to deliver diverse, high-caliber professional performing arts to both the Mid-City community and the broader Los Angeles area, with the goal of transforming the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center into a cultural hub. The theatre's programming is multifaceted, encompassing award-winning theatre productions, music and dance series, lectures, and other perennial events. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Wren T. Brown and Managing Director Gayle Hooks, ERT has been steadfast in its mission to create, develop, nurture, and sustain a world-class professional theatre that is deeply rooted in the experience of the African Diaspora. The organization's philosophy underscores the importance of the artist's role in society—to seek truth, provoke thought, and inspire positive change through their work. ERT aims to provide a permanent platform for artists of color, enabling them to present a broad spectrum of programs that reflect the rich canon of African-American literary, artistic, and cultural achievements. Additionally, the theatre is dedicated to building and expanding a multicultural audience, fostering cultural understanding among people of diverse backgrounds. The founders, Israel Hicks and Wren T. Brown, have been instrumental in shaping the direction and success of Ebony Repertory Theatre, ensuring that it serves as a beacon for artistic excellence and cultural significance within the African American community and the arts world at large.