Black Voices Matter

At Barrington Stage Company, we believe in the power of art to evoke change, inspire understanding, and build bridges across communities. In a time when the racial climate demands not just attention but action, we are committed to deepening our allyship with the Black community through meaningful engagement and support. It’s time to act, but more importantly, it’s time to listen.

View all of our Black Voices Matter content here or on our YouTube channel.

UP NEXT

Thursday, August 8	6PM	KICKOFF CONCERT Come get the party started with Sample the Cat, a local band that has been taking Berkshire County by storm. Lead singer Kendrah Bellevue won 1st place in last year’s Adult Talent Show and will now headline our annual kickoff concert!
Friday, August 9	2PM	YOUTH VOICES ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE A culminating performance from the participants of a free, weeklong performing arts camp for BIPOC youth ages 10 to 18. This original play/showcase has been created with support from a professional theater director, Music Director and teaching artist.
	6PM	POETRY SLAM Come out and be moved by this culminating performance of local residents who participated in two poetry writing workshops. Using poetry and storytelling as the vehicle, these performances will give you a glimpse into who they are and what shaped them into who they are today.
Saturday, August 10	6PM	WESTSIDE TAKES THE STAGE: TAKE 5 ADULT TALENT SHOWCASE An amazing night of performances by local artists including music, dance, and spoken word.
Sunday, August 11	1PM	JOYFUL NOISE 2 GOSPEL CONCERT Enjoy an afternoon of gospel music with the Celebration of Black Voices Community Choir. This choir is made up of community members from our local Black churches who all participated in a gospel music workshop and this culminating performance is one you definitely do not want to miss.
	6PM	*BLACK VOICES MATTER* Join us for a celebratory community performance piece devised with local Black community members using the performing arts as a tool to share their joy, fears, triumphs, and what it means to be African American in the Berkshires.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

We are proud to announce a call for submissions, inviting Black community members to share their voices, stories, and artistic expressions in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. This initiative is designed to offer a platform for Black creativity and self-expression, highlighting the thoughts, feelings, fears, and triumphs of the Black community in Berkshire County and beyond.

We Are Seeking Submissions That Reflect a Wide Range of Artistic Expression:

Monologues, scenes, or plays that capture personal narratives or imagined dialogues.
Poetry that articulates the depth of emotion, struggle, or hope.
Original music that speaks to the soul, sharing messages of resilience, grief, or solidarity.
Multimedia projects that combine various art forms to tell a story or convey a message.

This is an opportunity for everyone within our community to engage in a vital conversation, asking ourselves, “What can I do to make a change?” Through this platform, we aim to amplify Black voices, providing a space where their stories are heard, acknowledged, and celebrated.

Your voice is essential. Your stories matter. Join us in this powerful dialogue as we strive to make a difference through the arts. For submission guidelines and more information on how to participate, please visit our website.

Together, let’s inspire change, foster understanding, and create a more inclusive and empathetic community.

Submissions will be shared on our website in our Community Space. This is an opportunity for BSC to continue to engage, empower and celebrate our Black community.

To submit your work or for further questions, contact BVM@BarringtonStageCo.org or call Sharron Frazier-McClain, Community Engagement and EDI Coordinator, at 413-997-6118.

To view past BVM performances, click here.

For information on A Celebration of Black Voices, click here.

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