Omar F Okai , Co Director and Founder of BBTAS comments
“Our industry has been devastated. All plays, musicals and creative pieces have come to a sad and frightening halt, the effects are felt and have had a deep impact on our performers, creatives and students in training. The Black British Theatre Awards team are determined to present the ceremony in some form, and help get the spirit we so sorely need in our industry back.”
The four exciting new categories are:
Best use of Innovation and Technology
Casting Director Recognition Award
LGBTQ+ Champion Award
Disability Champion Award
The Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) was established to raise the profile of the role black britons have made to not only this country’s artistic legacy, but the impact that their contribution has made on an international level. October 2019 saw the inaugural ceremony of the BBTAS, launched to coincide with Black History Month. This new addition to the British theatre calendar was held at the captivating Finsbury Town Hall.
Black britons have been contributing significantly to theatre since before the first major influx of Africans and Caribbeans into Britain during the 1950’s. Their arrival generated a rich cultural influence and a whole new way of approaching theatre. Over these 70 years, there has been a notable lack of recognition but an abundance of Black talent. Although it is slowly being addressed, BBTA’s plan is to amplify the positivity of talent and creativity in British theatre. These awards are a vehicle to do so and place a visible face and recognition on all creative fields in the theatre.
Key Dates for the diary:
Monday 1 June – nominations go live
Monday 3 August – nomination close
Thursday 3 September – award nominees announced
Sunday 18 October – Outreach Day
Sunday 8 November – Virtual Awards Ceremony hosted by Ore Oduba
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