CHICAGO: This October, in an event sponsored by the African American Arts Alliance (AAAA), seven Black theatres of Chicago will partner for a free, three-day Black Theater United Audition event. In addition to the opportunity to audition for Black theatres and directors, the free event will include resource-sharing panels and workshops led by casting directors, agents, and other theatre professionals. Advance registration for the online event is required.

“With this two-fold audition event, the African American Arts Alliance is uniting member theatres to create space for, by, and with Black artists,” said AAAA board chair and Black Ensemble Theater founder and CEO Jackie Taylor in a statement. “Before the auditions, we will provide free career development workshops to help actors to audition successfully in a digital world. We hope this event will provide increased opportunity as we bring Black artists together with Black directors and provide valuable resources from the participating companies and industry professionals.”

Participating theatres include Black Ensemble Theater, Congo Square Theatre, eta Creative Arts Foundation, Pegasus Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Perceptions Theatre, and Definition Theatre.

Online events begin on Oct. 12 with pre-audition “Black Theatres Focus on You” events, including an audition preparedness panel with Luther Goins, Runako Jahi, Ron OJ Parson, and Ilesa Duncan; a workshop called “Master the Art of Self-Tape,” led by Congo Square ensemble member Tracey N. Bonner; and a “Making a Star” panel with Charlton Blackburne, Reuben Cannon, Tamara Sibley, and Pemon Rami.

The auditions, which will be held on Oct. 19 and Oct. 26, are open to all adults. Advance registration is required.

The African American Arts Alliance, formed in 1997 by a group of Chicago’s leading African American artists and arts organizations, aims to increase public awareness, interaction, community, and development of African American arts organizations and artists within the city of Chicago.