Since the 1970s, The Ensemble Theatre has remained a staple of Houston’s entertainment scene. The midtown theater is one of the largest African-American professional theater companies in the southwest. When George Hawkins, an actor and director, founded The Ensemble, he wanted a place where African-American performers could tell their stories and audience members could see themselves reflected.
The History
In 1976, George Hawkins decided to open the theater in Houston. He desired to play more than butler and slave roles. The actor yearned for a place for the city’s African-American performers to call home. When he opened, the theater had very little money, no dressing rooms, and a makeshift green room. Hawkins died in 1990, but his legacy and vision for the theater continued. Eileen Morris, who still serves as the artistic director, was able to secure an AUDELCO Award, a prestigious honor given out to African-American arts companies at the Apollo Theatre.
The Present
Now, the theater reaches more than 65,000 people annually. Every season, the theater usually produces contemporary and classical works around the African-American experience. The Ensemble also hosts educational workshops, artist-in-residence experiences, and a Young Performers Program for the youth.
The Shows
Their production of a “A Motown Christmas,” which features traditional Christmas carols blended with the sounds of Motown celebrities, has sold out for the season. However, for the kids, buy tickets to their 40-minute production on Dec. 23 of “Lil Man Saves Christmas,” which follows Lil’ Man and his journey to save Christmas for his mom and sister. Next up, in January, check out their performance of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, “The Piano Lesson.”
Want more Ensemble history? We chatted with actors about the historic theater.
