latest news!
coming - Sunday May 24, 2026
African-American Collective Theater (ACT) returns with "OUT/spoken" it's 34th Anniversary LGBTQ+ Theater Festival of original. short plays, written and directed by Founding Artistic Director, Alan Sharpe -- an annual spring tradition since 1992, in observance of DC Black Pride Weekend.
SAVE THE DATE!
"UNNATURAL CAUSES" SELECTED FOR june THEATER FESTIVAL IN HOUSTON, TEXAS!
The Fade to Black Festival is one of the most prestigious in the country!
I am thrilled and grateful to be included among such illustrious company -- CONGRATULATIONS to all of the winning playwrights.
June 18-21, 2026
october 2025
DC Mayor's Office Issues Honorary Proclamation!
"Alan Sharpe Day"
At a special benefit brunch organized by DC Activist, Chuck Hicks, hosted by Darryl Gorman and attended by a number of friends and supporters, ACT presented readings of two short plays, "Unnatural Causes" featuring ACT'ers, Monte J. Wolfe, and Jeremy Keith Hunter, followed by "Sex Work" with Gregory Ford and Tristan Philip Hewitt.
A highlight of the event came when ACT's Founding Artistic Director was surprised and honored to receive an award from the office of Washington, DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser, proclaiming Sunday, October 12th as "Alan Sharpe Day" in the District of Columbia.
october 2025
ACT Founder Presents Center for Black Equity's "Artistic Excellence Award"
On Saturday, October 4th, ACT 's Founder had the pleasure of introducing and presenting to 2025 recipient Patrik-Ian Polk -- the Center for Black Equity's Alan Sharpe Artistic Excellence Award at the BE. Gala for Black Equity!
Known as the “father of Black queer cinema,” Patrik has transformed the cultural landscape with groundbreaking works such as Punks, Noah’s Arc, and The Skinny. Through his art, he has told unapologetic stories of Black LGBTQ+ life, creating space for representation, visibility, and truth.
This award, named after its inaugural recipient -- ACT's Founding Artistic Director -- celebrates Patrik’s extraordinary contributions to culture and community through art. His fearless storytelling continues to inspire and empower generations.