THE OPEN-STAGE is an initiative designed to engage and support artists in the communities where PT performs on tour and has already become a signature of PT events. PT presents local upcoming and veteran artists in a preshow performance segment in an effort to share their stage and audiences with performers who are doing meaningful work. It is a space for artists to share their WORKS-IN-PROGRESS (PROGRESS in theme & development) in a supportive environment and build artists' networks. Use of the entire stage (not only or necessarily the mic) is encouraged in to welcome artists across performance & visual genres.
“A NIGHT-IN-PROGRESS,” is the evening-length version of the OPEN-STAGE. It is an ongoing series of nights in support of creating art as activism. It is a Night where PT presents rather than performs, featuring the work of selected artists across artistic genres & providing a space for any artist in attendance to perform via a postshow OPEN-STAGE.
Previously featured OPEN-STAGE artists include:
NYC
Akintoye Moses (photographer/poet)
Nina "Lyrispect" Ball (poet/actress)
Tameka Jones (theatre artist)
Ebony Ruffin (dancer/choreographer)
BALTIMORE
Ezekial Jackson (musician/writer/actor)
Nina "Lyrispect" Ball (poet/actress)
Princess of Controversy (poet/mc)
Mahogany Soul (poet)
HOUSTON
Therisa Callier (poet)
Crystal Liggins (poet)
Krystal La Boy (poet)
Natalie Guillory (poet)
ATLANTA
Youth Ensemble of Atlanta
Basheer "Da Truuf" Jones (poet)
Alice Lovelace (poet/activist)
Eugene IV (musician/mc/poet)
Zarinah Mahmoud (actor)
Gloria "Adanna" Lawson (poet)
Christopher Hampton (actor)
Theresa Davis (poet)
Alisa Routh (actor)
Amanda Lockett (poet)
Shamaria Simmons (poet)
TAMPA
Lizz Straight (poet)
Venus Jones (poet/actor)