Preserving Atlanta’s Reputation for World-Class Black Theatre Since 2012 – Toni Henson

On today’s episode of The Atlanta Small Business Show we speak with Toni Henson, Co-founder & Executive Producing Director of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, popularly known as the festival of “40 plays in four days”. The ABTF is the nation’s largest self-producing platform for Afro-centric theatre. In addition, Toni is a graduate of both Howard University and NYU, an acclaimed speaker, spoken word poet, and author.  

Held annually in October, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival presents a curated selection of world-class theatre sharing the most incredible heartwarming stories of African descendants from across the diaspora. The event schedule is filled with large selection of live theatre, shopping, dining, parties, a gallery exhibit and more.

Since 2012, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival has presented over 300 live events to thousands of art enthusiasts. Their diverse line-up of artists are drawn from around the globe. The ABTF platform has provided performance opportunities for over 1,800 of the most prolific literary, visual and performing artists of our time. 

In this segment Jim and Toni discuss her entrepreneurial background and how she overcame business challenges from the 2008 recession. What inspired her to launch the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and where the idea came from, the cultural importance of black theater, especially in Atlanta today, funding and support she’s received, and lastly, why she continues to be so passionate about black theatre and preserving the culture of it.

Tune-in to the interview to learn more about Toni and The Black Theatre Festival and please do leave your comments and questions below.

The Atlanta Small Business Network, from start-up to success, we are your go-to resource for small business news, information, resources.