Houston – The Ensemble Theatre, one of the nation’s leading professional African American theaters that owns and operates its own facility, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a season of six productions, special events and expanded education programming.
Artistic director Eileen J. Morris and associate artistic director Rachel Hemphill Dickson said the 2026–2027 season blends regional premieres with returning favorites, reflecting the theater’s longtime mission to tell stories rooted in the community. “We’ve got a plethora of activity … just producing the six plays that we’re going to be doing throughout the year,” Morris said, describing a mix of comedies, dramas and musicals.
Dickson, who said she has been with the company for about 30 years, reflected on the theater’s early days and the legacy of founder George Hawkins.
The Ensemble ultimately moved into its longtime home at 3535 Main St., where it has been since 1985, she said. “We’re not out of the trunk of the car anymore,” Dickson said, noting the company’s growth from its earliest efforts to a permanent home supported by board members, staff and the community.
Asked how the theater is honoring Hawkins’ vision, Dickson said the season itself is a tribute, with roughly half the lineup made up of productions the theater has staged before and three newer works.
Morris highlighted “Purpose,” a regional premiere that she described as an intergenerational family story set in Chicago and loosely connected to the public life of the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s family. Morris said the play’s themes of legacy and family conflict are widely relatable.
Another season highlight is “The Wash,” inspired by the 1881 washerwomen’s strike in Atlanta, which Dickson described as a timely story about organizing and speaking out. The play shows women from different backgrounds coming together and winning, she said, framing it as a story about “legacy and family and community.”
The theater’s education efforts remain central to the anniversary year, Morris said, pointing to programming that continues throughout the year, including Saturday offerings and a young performers training program.
Tickets for the 2026–2027 season are available now, along with volunteer and internship opportunities. Click HERE to purchase tickets.