The Ensemble Theater
(713) 807-4300
3535 Main Street
Houston,
TX
77002
29.7394
-95.3786
Neighborhoods: South Central, Midtown
What People Are Saying About The Ensemble Theater
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Fulfilling Potential
The troupe has grown exponentially from its beginnings in 1976 as a touring company that rehearsed in a church basement to its million-dollar, state-of-the-art facility on Main Street. Such development is reflected in the Ensemble's annual play selections: It mounts literary classics and contemporary fare but it also produces local work and children's programs.
Honoring Precedents
The Ensemble's mission is to preserve African-American artistic expression. To do so, it presents such current voices as Joseph A. Walker, Pearl Cleage, Cheryl L. West and Shay Youngblood. It reinterprets Shakespeare, tinkers with the Harlem Renaissance, sponsors area playwrights and considers what black musicals are and can be. And to enlighten and entertain children, it offers, for instance, an adaptation of "To Be Young, Gifted and Black."
User Reviews
Johnceesmith
June 29, 2008
Great venue. Top performances. I've seen two shows here now, and we had a great time. "Ain't Misbehavin" was wonderful, and the singing blew me off my feet.
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odomcliff
February 04, 2003
I have seen about 12 shows here, and they were great. The building is very good for the compact size. You feel like you are right on the stage with the actors. When there is a fight scene you duck, when there is a love scene you pucker. All the facilities work adn are first rate.
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dmitchl2003
January 12, 2003
Splendid performances in very comfortable surroundings with a flavor of "old" Houston.
read full reviewThe Details on The Ensemble Theater
Not color-coded:
Though an African-American troupe, the Ensemble is colorblind when it comes to directors, designers, performers, playwrights—and audiences.
Good company:
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson has visited the Ensemble. Influential dramatist Ntozake Shange has directed the troupe. Venerable performers Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee have offered their support.
