The Providence Black Repertory Company (Black Rep) was an arts non-profit and cultural space focussed on the people and cultures of the African Diaspora, and including members of all communities of color. It was founded in 1996 by Donald "Don" King and closed in 2009. During its existence, the Black Rep's stated mission was to present theater, education and public programs for Rhode Island and the larger national and international community.
King founded the Black Rep after hosting public theater workshops called "Xxodus featuring Miss Fannie's Soul Food Kitchen" and "Round Midnight: A Rapper's Delight," at local arts institution AS220. Originally located at 131 Washington Street in Providence, Black Rep raised funds to renovate and relocate to the Wit Building at 276 Westminster street. The renovation, designed by Providence designer Kyla Coburn, was completed in 2002. It included theater and club space, and a cafe and lounge space named Xxodus Cafe.
The theatrical aspect of the Black Rep hosted formal theatrical productions, workshops, and readings of newer work. Productions at the Black Rep included plays from the African American theatrical canon like Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun (2002) and Baraka's The Dutchman (2004); the works of Rhode Island playwrights, including Mixed Magic Theatre co-founder Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and Brown University Rites and Reason alumna Rose Weaver; readings of plays; and workshop productions of plays.
Holding in-house, in-school and afterschool programs, the Black Rep's education and outreach arm connected youth with Rhode Island artists.Black Rep collaborated frequently with outside organizations and institutions, among them Brown University's Rites and Reason Theatre, the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and numerous local schools and youth programs.
The Black Rep organized public programs like open mic nights, spotlights of local artists, and weekly music nights. Black Rep also hosted community events including, the Rhode Island fashion designer Karen Beebe, the National Black Theatre Festival, the Providence Jazz and Blues Festival, and an afternoon with B.B. King. From 2004-2009 the Black Rep hosted Sound Session, a large summer music festival. The festival was a collaboration between Providence Black Reperatory Company and the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism and had thousands of attendees. Inspired by the Providence Rhythm and Blues Festival, Sound Session has since developed into PVDFest, an arts and culture festival in downtown Providence, run as of 2022 by the Providence Arts Culture and Tourism department.
The Black Rep was supported by local and national institutions like Fleet Bank, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Hasbro, CVS/Pharmacy, and Citizens Bank. It also recieved grants including ones from the Wallace Foundation, Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Council on the Arts, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, and the National Edowment for the Arts.
During its existence the Providence Black Repertory Company recieved awards including the New England Theatre Conference Regional Award for Outstanding Achievement in American Theatre, the Arts & Business Council of RI Jabez Gorham Award for Most Outstanding Arts Organization, and a City of Providence Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame Nomination.
In 2009, faced with economic downturn, tax debt, sustainability concerns and high-cost building repairs, the organization lead a campaign to "Save Our Season," but eventually went into recievership and folded.
These files are arranged chronologically.
Season opening reception and performance with Buddy Cianci.
Season opening reception and performance with Buddy Cianci.
2 copies.
Reception with members of Fleet Bank.
Reception with members of Fleet Bank.
News articles, press releases and playbills about PBRC productions. There are also two playscripts titled Suicide in B-Flat and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.
Includes headshots and resumes.
Includes headshots and resumes.
These files are arranged alphabetically by the name of the production. For audience feedback surveys, including demographic information, see Series 4. Administration.
2 copies. Music for All Over. 7 audio tracks
Copy of "All Over Soundtrack." Music for All Over. 7 audio tracks
15 audio tracks
2 discs labeled "A" and "B."
3 identical CDs with photographs from the PBRC production, Ceremonies in Old Dark Men.
Music for Ceremonies in Old Dark Men.
Includes invoice from printing service.
Includes folder entitled "Post_Colored_Museum"
Includes headshots and resumes.
Music for DONE intermission.
Music for DONE, before & after the show.
Includes folder entitled "Post_DONE"
Includes volunteer spreadsheet.
Includes a copy of the playscript.
Includes 4 short productions: The Basketball Warrior, The Test, Deaming the Differential, and Silhouette of a Silhouette.
Includes 4 short productions: The Basketball Warrior, The Test, Deaming the Differential, and Silhouette of a Silhouette.
Images of the women in the play rehearsing and performing.
2 men (one identified as "Raidge") rehearsing and performing a play.
Black and white, polaroids, and color photographs of PBRC staff, actors, and an elaborate stage structure.
Sound effects (mirror & phone ring) for Jar the Floor.
2 copies.
Play written by Aishah Rahman. Advertising an extended run into November.
Incomplete music and guitar tablature, missing page 1 of 5. Removed from cardboard; spray adhesive on back.
2 copies. Produced in collaboration with URI.
2 copies. Produced in collaboration with URI.
2 copies.
Action photos from a performance.
Black and white action photos.
Action photos from a performance.
Depicts celebratory drinks, the set, and rehearsal.
Includes some historical context for the show and a schedule.
Music for Two Can Play intermission. 10 audio tracks
Music for Two Can Play after the show. 18 audio tracks
Music for Two Can Play before the show. 21 audio tracks
Music for Yellowman. 6 audio tracks
Music for Yellowman. 7 audio tracks
2 copies. Music for Yellowman before the show. 18 audio tracks
Black and white photographs of performers laying on the ground.
These files are arranged alphabetically by the name of the work.
By Eisa Davis.
By V. Michael Rogers.
By Oliver Mayer.
By Tanya Barfield.
2 copies. By Savion Glover.
By Tazewell Thompson.
By Kim Hines.
By David Eliet.
Portfolio of resumes, photos, and articles for a director and choreographer.
By Tana Lee Alves.
Copies of an original playscript. Survey from the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Headshots. Correspondence regarding the development of an original piece by PBRC.
Co-written by the CSI Group and PBRC with accompanying notes and opinions.
Rape/sexual violence is the subject of this play.
By David Alexander Jones.
"Voices" is a "staged documentary" about slavery.
Includes playscript: SHREWD.
Includes playscript: The Johson Family Saga.
Includes playscript and other materials related to Disposable Men.
Includes playscripts: Black and White All Over and Up from Stardom.
Includes playscripts: Skips in the Record, Silhouette of a Silhouette, and Well Water Blues.
List of plays by author and location.
Originally a binder. Contains a copy of The Spelling Bee.
Includes playscript: Strom Thurmond Is Not A Racist.
2 posters
By Christine Evans.
Originally a red binder. Includes playscript: Trojan Barbie.
Original play dated 1997.
Dramatic adaptation, copyright 1990.
Playscript originally published 2002; revised 2005.
Note from playwright to Don King on title page.
Full playscript from an Astoria, New York-based playwright.
These files are arranged chronologically. Sound Session was a musc festival produced by PBRC each summer.
PBRC employee, Eliza, at Sound Session with a message written to Eliza on the back.
Pianist and a double bassist at Sound Session.
Double bassist at Sound Session.
Double bassist at Sound Session.
Drummer at Sound Session.
Three people in Waterplace Park during Sound Session.
SoundSession photographs organized by day of events. 12 folders containing 494 photos.
Includes some photographs not by Kathy Moyer. subjects include bands performing, Sound Session/Providence Black Repertory staff, Providence politicians, Sound Session procession and audiences. Bands captured include What Cheer Brigade, Lightning Bolt, two videos of King Britt performing. A selection of the folders are identified by the day of the week the photographs were taken.
Bulk 2007 photographs.
2 copies.
Photographs of performances, audiences, artists and staff. Mostly candid photographs. Includes photograph of musical group called Music One.
Includes coverage for acts of terrorism.
1 poster for the whole session (July 6-12), 1 for July 11
Posed and candid photographs of artists, staff and audience. Subjects include children's parade, David Cicciline, Princess Pearl, and children's drumming class.
Includes research and information regarding a Brown student's independent study and possibilities for assistance from Brown.
Posed and candid photographs of artists, staff, and performances. Subjects include Sokeo Ros, David Cicilline, and musical group Rugged.
Planning notes for a Sound Session that never took place.
Ornately decorated for parade.
26 documents
The Campaign was a fundraising strategy for raising $2.5 million for the acquisition and renovation of 276 Westminster Street and for supporting 2 seasons.
Congratulatory notes from PBRC donors.
Correspondence, notes, and draft applications related to PBRC's fundraising efforts.
Includes a copy of Arts Manager's Toolbox: Fundraising by Melanie Beene and Laurie MacDougall.
Photographs of Don King, Michael van Leesten, Buddy Cianci, and others at an awards ceremony.
Analysis of PBRC's patron base with suggestions for expansion.
Includes blank budget summaries, preliminary cost estimates for the renovation of 276 Westminster Street, A Raisin in the Sun summary, and directions to PBRC.
Includes legal procedures, finances, and zoning laws
Includes Facilities Management Job Description.
From PBRC attendees of the Culturally Specific Performing Arts Organizations Symposium.
Looking to the future.
Includes a possible event about Billie Holiday.
Includes server training certification.
Includes notes, plans, expectations, and surveys.
Photocopy.
Crone's Nest is a "journal of arts and ideas centered on the wide-ranging interests, wit, wisdom, and reflections of elderwomen."
On the structure of organizations and human systems.
Irish youth theatre program.
Don King working with children in schools.
A collage of images with text describing the lives of many powerful black women.
Details student outreach.
Includes blank surveys.
Article on hip hop culture. No author cited.
Features: Student Matinees/2001-02 Theatre Season, The Original Intelligent Hoodlum, The Lady Shea and Black Majik, The Hip Hop Circus, and The Social Evolutino of Hip Hop.
For potential partnerships.
Includes Rhode Island's charter school operating budget projections.
PBRC plans for a summer program educating youth in theatre.
(mostly) Black and white photographs of young performers.
Contains information about Bisi Kolawole and Noel Norton.
Female step team, "New Force" performing in uniform. Co-ed step team, "Off the Curb" performing at the same venue. Group stepping in school uniforms.
Polaroids of 2 girls drumming.
Black and white group photos at a school.
Kids performing in birthday hats at a school.
Group photos of children.
In schools and at PBRC during various events.
Celebratory brunch in a black room with red tables.
By artist Karen Beebe (clothing line: Lucille; store: Queen of Hearts in downtown Providence). Pivotal because the show brought a wide range of people to the space that might not otherwise known about PBRC.
By artist Karen Beebe (clothing line: Lucille; store: Queen of Hearts in downtown Providence). Pivotal because the show brought a wide range of people to the space that might not otherwise known about PBRC.
Performance at Xxodus Cafe.
(mostly) Black and white photographs of performers at Waterplace Park. Includes Ahmad Samal, Bob Rizzo, Melba Moore, and others.
(mostly) Black and white photographs of performers at Waterplace Park.
Musicians performing at Waterplace Park.
Performers and audience members at Waterplace Park in an event that preceded Sound Session.
Performers and audience members at Waterplace Park in an event that preceded Sound Session.
Performers and audience members at Waterplace Park in an event that preceded Sound Session.
Black and white photographs of DJ Lefty and rappers. Photos by Sara Hsia.
Project proposal for a recurring event to take place throughout the city.
Advertisements for "A Mixed Tape/Hip Hop: Riffing & Flipping Baraka; Reinterpretations of the Collected Poems, Essays and Monologues of Amiri Baraka," event as part of Brown University series A Tribute to Amiri Baraka. Includes scripts and notes.
PBRC staff with Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Aishah Rahman, and others.
Dark event inside Xxodus Cafe.
Woman performing with ring.
Black and white photographs of performers and dancers in the audience.
Musicians on-stage. Indoor event.
Women in front of artwork.
Indoor performance plus congratulations.
Possibly a workshop.
Woman in red dress performing at a reception.
Polaroids from set production.
Reception in PBRC hallway.
Group photos of unidentified individuals.
BB King performing. Groups photos with audience members.
Miss Fannie's Soul Kitchen and open mic poster, listing the 131 Washington Street address
Poster advertising a week of musical events honoring "the creative legacies of those who have changed the world with their art."
Includes quotations and a poem about Cabral's death.
Program for teaching leadership in communities of color.
Advertisements for famous jazz musician coming to Providence.
2 packets.
Schedule.
Collection of interviews with formerly enslaved people in America.
Large posters commemmorating PBRC as a "community champion."
Advertisement for touring Broadway musical.
Includes PBRC application to be included in 2004-2005 Events Guides.
Seasonal newsletters updating PBRC's supporters with information about events, productions, and community outreach.
Don King and other present plans for the new space to an audience.
Invoices, receipts, correspondence, and a printed copy of the Rhode Island Directory of Certified Minority and Women Owned Businesses.
Includes official applications, city permit info, and correspondence with David Smith Winsor, Tom LaPointe, and others.
Sean Webster was the contractor. Winsor drew the plans.
Contractor: Sean Webster. Winsor drew the plans.
Plans and paperwork regarding bathroom renovations.
Particularly facade renovations.
Regarding the theater space.
Regarding electrical/lighting/plumbing/bathrooms, main stage theater, and kitchen.
Group photos of PBRC.
June Conradi's notification hiring at PBRC as well as her two weeks notice of resignation.
Payroll information and complaints from PBRC employees regarding failure to pay wages.
Regarding affirmative action, affirmative marketing and M/WBE, purchasing and contracting standards, and drug and alcohol policy.
Includes headshots.
Includes timesheets and correspondence.
Resume cover photo.
An untitled black and white photograph of a white man with a long beard taken by Diane Parham (see back label).
A black and white photograph of an eldery woman of color.
Two black and white photographs taken by Hillary Ward in 1998: one of a man sitting in profile and another of a DJ
Polaroids and photographs (of different sizes) of events and productions at PBRC as well as images of various individuals elsewhere.
Slide photos of the Jazz and Blues Festival, events with kids, the Black Rep Brunch, productions, and team photographs.
Photographs of unidentified people.
Public radio?
Photographs of two different women.
Black and white photos depicting different scenes around PBRC.
Photo slides of artwork.
Polaroids and 4x6 photos of scenes around the office.
Polaroids at a bowling alley.
Members of PBRC at a dinner.
Photographs of script reading.
Bronze award plaque recognizing Don King.
Recognition of Don King's completion of the program.
Bronze and granite plaque commemmorating PBRC's work in the arts scene in Providence.
Certificate for Don King.
Certificate for Don King.
Certificate of Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Charles J. Fogarty' recognition of PBRC's artistic work.
Certificate recognizing PBRC's receipt of the Jabez Gorham Award.
Correspondence between Mayor David Cicilline and PBRC about the dual nomination of Michael Van Leesten and Don King for consideration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Hall of Fame.
Recognizes PBRC for Sound Session.
A hand-drawn "Certificate of Appreciation" held in a plastic. Awarded to Michaelle Santil in recognition of being a loyal friend.
Signed document thanking PBRC for an incredible evening.
Wood and metal plaque recognizing Don King.
Amica Insurance flyer components. 10 images (3 working)
6 jazz songs. 6 audio tracks
Repeating video of a brain dissolving inward. 7 video files (1 with content), 1 empty audio file.
Snippets from various films and home videos. 9 video files (3 working), 1 empty audio folder.
"Can't See Baby," song by Buddy Guy. 1 audio track
"Erica's movie," a documentary on hip hop and breakdancing. 1 video file
9 audio tracks
9 audio tracks
Music. 16 audio tracks
Music. 8 audio tracks
Weekly written responses to music and texts about music. Adam Siegel. 11 documents.
Songs produced by Joey Beats featuring other artists. 13 audio tracks
Spoken word recordings by John Nyrere Frazier. 7 audio tracks
DJ Aaron LaCrate's 1 hour hip hop & electronic music mix.
Film clips of heartrate monitors. 6 video files (3 working), 1 empty audio folder.
38 hip hop remixes. 38 audio tracks
2 film clips, repeating at different speeds. 6 video files (2 identical videos working), 1 empty audio file.
Jazz music. 13 audio tracks
Spoken poetry. Jennifer Gomez (poet) and Talib Kwel (intro beat). 6 audio tracks
10 audio tracks
Music. 16 audio tracks
Materials are arranged into thirteen series.
Series 1, Productions (1997-2009). Records of Providence Black Repertory Company theatrical productions. Arranged into three sub-series.
Subseries 1A - Theatre Seasons (1998-2009). Documentation of theatre seasons including some photographs. Arranged chronologically.
Subseries 1B - Staged production materials (1997-2009 and undated). Arranged alphabetically.
Subseries 1C - Possible productions (1996-2009 and undated). Arranged chronologically.
Series 2, Sound Session (2004-2010 and undated).Documentation and administration of the public arts and culture festival Sound Session, hosted by the Providence Black Repertory Company from 2004-2009.
Series 3, Financial (1996-2011). Arranged into seven subseries.
Subseries 3A - Fundraising - Grants and Donations (1996-2011). Arranged alphabetically.
Subseries 3B - Loans (2002-2008). Arranged alphabetically.
Subseries 3C - Income (2001-2009 and undated). Arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically within each subject.
Subseries 3D - Invoices (2002-2008). Arranged alphabetically by organization and chronologically within each organization.
Subseries 3E - Taxes (1998-2009). Arranged chronologically.
Subseries 3F - Audits (1999-2008). Arranged chronologically.
Subseries 3G - Payroll (2005-2009). Arranged chronologically.
Series 4, Administration (1973,1997-2011, bulk 2001-2007). Arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically within each subject.
Series 5, Educational Outreach And Programs (1962, 1995-2009 and undated). Arranged alphabetically by subject and chronologically within each subject.
Series 6, Events (1998-2008 and undated). The bulk of this series are photographs and promotional material.
Series 7, Research And Professional Development (1994-2008 and undated). Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 8, Publicity, (2002-2007 and undated). Arranged chronologically.
Series 9, Building, (1994-2009). Records of prospective and occupied buildings, including the Fogarty Building (111 Fountain Street), Bomes Theatre (1017 Broad Street), 242-244 Broad Street, and the Wit Building (276 Westminster Street). Arranged chronologically.
Series 10, Personnel, (1997-2008, and undated. Bulk 1998-2002). Arranged chronologically and alphabetically by subject.
Series 11, Photographs, (1971,1997-2000,2002 and undated). Includes photographs and slides. Please note that there are other photographs in the collection that are not in this series, including promotional photographs, headshots, and event documentation. Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 12, Awards, (2000-2008 and undated). Awards and nominations earned by the Providence Black Repertory Company. Arranged chronologically.
Series 13, Digital Materials, (2000-2017 and undated). Includes musical recordings, digital files on floppy disks, DVDs and one cassette tape. Please note that other digital records exist in the collection, including digital photographs. Arranged alphabetically.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them
Providence Black Repertory Company records, Ms.2018.012, Brown University Library.
Brown University Library staff followed the functional organization created by PBRC staff which was evident in the organization of the files in the filing cabinets. The financial records were together, personnel materials in an alphabetical run, production records were found together in a filing cabinet, as so forth.
There are no restrictions on access for analog materials, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested. Advance notice is required to view any audiovisual media or born-digital records that may exist in this collection. Audiovisual media and born-digital records in this collection have not been reformatted yet. Researchers may request access to copies by contacting the John Hay Library with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. Access to original physical audiovisual or born-digital media is restricted.
Gift of the Providence Black Repertory Company. These materials were gathered from the building formerly owned by the PBRC, 276 Westminster Street in Providence, RI. They sold the building and all its contents when they ceased operations. The documentation was retrieved from the building by Brown University Library staff in 2018 prior to renovation by the current owner.
The goal for this collection was to retain as much information as possible while protecting the privacy of the employees and patrons.
The records of the PBRC were located on the second floor of 276 Westminster Street, Providence, RI. Most of the files were still in locked filing cabinets. But some were in various areas of the office space, on the floor, and in desks due to renovation work that had already been done in the space. Brown University Library staff followed the functional organization created by PBRC staff which was evident in the organization of the files in the filing cabinets. The financial records were together, personnel materials in an alphabetical run, production records were found together in a filing cabinet, as so forth. The series titles in this collection were assigned by Brown University Library staff to describe the function of the various groupings. The materials found outside of the filing cabinets were integrated into the functional groupings/series.
The files contained many documents with personally identifiable information, such as social security numbers, on contracts and pay stubs. Those documents would have been destroyed based on standard business record retention requirements and were not retained in this collection to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
A small sampling of actor contracts was retained to provide examples of the standard contract they used with any confidential information redacted.
Records of the Providence Inner City Arts collective and the organization's occupancy of the Wit Building as Roots Cafe were found with and separated from the records of the Providence Black Repertory Company.
Invoices for basic business supplies such as stationery, staples, and ink cartridges were not retained. We retained invoices that demonstrated the work of the theater group such as invoices for labor or supplies necessary for the production of a specific play.
We did not retain timesheets for each week. Instead we retained the payroll tally sheets that provide evidence of the type of work performed and the staff employed for each task.
We retained donor information to document the network of support but discarded all confidential financial information such as copies of checks and credit card numbers.