At the beginning of the long hot summer of 1969, a City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Supervisor named Helen Katherine Mason noticed the distinct absence of one rich and resonant voice within the Valley’s arts community. From that day forward she dedicated herself to giving that voice a place where it could be lifted and heard by all. A place from which that single voice could illuminate a rich legacy and share those illuminations with everyone. From its proud but humble beginnings as a grassroots, creative outlet for restless, talented young urban rappers in the 70’s, the Black Theatre Troupe is now a highly recognized professional theatre, producing quality plays which reflect the heart and soul of the African-American experience.

Since 1970 Helen K. Masons’ dream and now her legacy has evolved into a company that has promoted excellence in the performing arts with an emphasis on people of color. As one of only two professional African-American theatre company within the four-corner states, The Black Theatre Troupe conducts educational workshops and produces quality plays which reflect the African-American experience and help to illuminate the culture to the Phoenix metropolitan area and throughout Arizona. In 1983 Helen K. Mason and a strong core of Phoenix arts, political and business leaders spearheaded The Black Theatre Troupe’s purchase of the 200-seat Helen K. Mason Center for the Performing Arts. This now mortgage-free facility is located in downtown Phoenix adjacent to the City of Phoenix designated arts district. In 2000 and in response to audience growth and demand the Black Theatre Troupe made the bold and calculated decision to produce its entire season outside of The Helen K. Mason Center for the Performing Arts for the first time in the company’s history. The Black Theatre Troupe moved it’s mainstage productions to the state of the art Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix and the John Paul Theater on the campus of Phoenix College in the center of mid town Phoenix. The work of The Black Theatre Troupe is a strong collaborative effort of artists, staff, board members and the community. Through our work, we

• Support the development of multi-ethnic artists, designers and technicians, Serve as an educational resource as the only professional African-American theatre company in the four-corner states region, Reflect the cultural diversity of the community, artistically and operationally, and
• Conduct business with integrity and financial responsibility.

All of the Black Theatre Troupe’s programs are ’community based.‘ BTT is a community based arts organization. Within the structure of the organization are several unique and creative components that encourage community participation and community educational development.