Black Repertory Group

The Black Repertory Group started as a Drama Program at Downs Memorial Untitled Methodist Church in 1954. Founder and Director, Nora Vaughn volunteered to stage and produceChristmas and Easter pageants. Over a period of four years, the range of plays expanded beyond the realm of religious material and encompassed the secular Black writers. In 1967, the drama group spun off from the church, established itself as a Black Theater Organization, and staged Purlie Victorious.In 1973, BRG moved to 1719 Alcatraz Avenue South Berkeley. This location was an old storefront, which Mr. Birel Vaughn and members of the community along with volunteers converted into a small theatre. They completely remodeled the storefront making a small stage and seating copacity for 99-persons.The BRG produced the works of more than fifty Black writers from Langston Hughes to Charlie Fuller It was also at this time that the group began to expand its purpose to include the Youth Development and Education components in response to the obvious social problems evident in the community.From 1978 to 1987, the board of directors and BRG's founder worked hard to get the City, State, and Federal donations to obtain adequate facilities for the S. Berkeley area as part of a Redevelopment plan. Finally, on October 11,1987, the Black Repertory Group's Cultural Arts Center was erected. Confined within its walls is a 250-seat main stage (dedicated to the memory of Birel L. Vaughn) as well as space forrehearsals and workshops, its program includes full length Mainstage plays by Black writers about Black people, A "New Arts Experience" program for featuring new local Black Playwrites, director and performers.Get MySpace Layouts at MyPimpSpace.com