LATEST NEWS!
June 2026
Festival Success
"...Cardero Berryman and Bryce Ivan cement their status as two of Houston’s most powerful actors in UNNATURAL CAUSES.
These two play off each other and go from subtle to epic in just a heartbeat. They gave the performances of the night..."
-- Brett Cullum, for BroadwayWorld.com
Congratulations to Cardero and Ivan who, under the clearly adroit direction of Ezekiel Morgan, must have done
a phenomenal job with my short play, "Unnatural Causes" at Houston's "Fade To Black Fest" this past weekend.
And a VERY special thanks to Festival Founder, Denise O'Neal for creating and sustaining this wonderful showcase.
By all reports, the entire festival --now in its 14th year -- was another resounding success. Kudos to all involved in making it happen!
June 2026
Celebrating the New Works of African American Playwrights
The Fade to Black Play Festival returns for 2026 with an electrifying evening of original short plays written by African American playwrights from across the nation. Presented by Shabach Enterprise, this signature theatrical event shines a spotlight on bold storytelling, fresh perspectives, and the incredible power of Black theatre.
This unique festival format features a collection of original 10-minute plays performed throughout the evening, giving audiences the opportunity to experience multiple dynamic stories, characters, and theatrical styles all in one unforgettable event.
From drama to comedy, heartfelt moments to thought-provoking conversations, the Fade to Black Play Festival celebrates the richness and diversity of the Black experience through live performance.
Join us in celebrating multiple award-winning playwright Alan Sharpe, whose compelling work Unnatural Causes is featured in the 2026 Fade To Black Play Festival under the direction of Ezekiel Morgan.
Alan Sharpe is the Founding Artistic Director of the African-American Collective Theater in Washington, D.C., where he has been producing original theatre and film since 1992. Throughout his distinguished career, he has remained committed to creating thought-provoking works that amplify underrepresented voices and explore the complexities of the human experience.
Alan has written over 175 plays and screenplays, earning recognition for his ability to craft stories that are both socially relevant and emotionally resonant. His work frequently examines identity, relationships, and community through a powerful and authentic lens.
Sunday May 24, 2026
African-American Collective Theater (ACT) returned with "OUT/spoken" its 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.
"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.