HOUSTON, Dec. 31, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) --
WHEN: Thursday, January 1, 2004 from 3:30 P.M. until 4:30 P.M. METRORail festivities will be held from 1 P.M. until 4:30 P.M WHERE: 3535 Main Street (corner of Main and Berry Street) on the George Hawkins Main Stage WHO: Reverend William A. Lawson, Mayor Lee P. Brown, Board President Argentina M. James, State Representative Garnet Coleman, Houston Endowment Board Member Anthony Hall, Hanq Neal, Ensemble Theatre Board Members, Guild Members, artists, subscribers, financial supporters. WHY: The namesake METRORail stop and the retirement of the theatre's capital campaign debt are two historic milestones for the theatre. This accomplishment establishes The Ensemble Theatre as one of the largest African American theatres in the nation that owns, operates, and produces in house. Now that the theatre fully owns its building, it, in a sense, holds its own destiny. The theatre will be afforded the foundation necessary for its continued development as a world-class institution. Rev. William A. Lawson, pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, will preside over the mortgage-burning ceremony. The mortgage-burning ceremony will serve as a symbolic occasion and proud moment in the history of theatre. Board of Directors will announce the naming of the grand foyer and the Green Room. AUDIO/VISUALS: -- 1 P.M. until 3:30 P.M. Performances by Ensemble Theatre Tour Education Performers, A Colorful 27 Year Ensemble Theatre Retrospective Museum and Houston Community College Student Performances -- 3:25 P.M. Mortgage-Burning Ceremony Processional to George Hawkins Mainstage -- 3:50 P.M. Mayor Lee P. Brown Proclaim Ownership -- 4:00 P.M. Excerpt of Mississippi Delta- In tradition: A Permit to Parade -- 4:20 P.M. Mortgage Burning -- 4:30 Unveiling of Grand Foyer and Green Room Naming CONTACT: Andrea Barefield, Media Coordinator Office: (713) 520-0055 ext. 316 Janette Cosley, Executive Director Office: (713) 520-0055 ext. 311
The Ensemble Theatre
Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre is one of the oldest and most distinguished professional theaters in the southwestern U.S. devoted to the African America experience. The mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African American Artistic Expression; to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. From its humble beginnings as a touring company, The Ensemble now presents a full season of classic and contemporary African American works by local and national playwrights and artist. In addition, The Ensemble provides touring and in-house performances for young audiences, community outreach, and training for young artist through The Young Performers Program. The Ensemble, one of the few African American theaters in the country to own and operate its own facility, boast a main stage auditorium with seating for 200, an arena stage that seats 125, and a grand performance hall that accommodates 500 people.