The Opening Night Gala package includes:
Star-studded Awards Banquet
Opening Night Celebrity Performance
Special Gala Celebrity Reception

 

6:30 p.m.  Celebrity Procession
with NBTF Co-Chairs, Ted Lange &
                                              Wendy Raquel Robinson

 

6:45 p.m.   AWARDS PRESENTATION

20th Anniversary Award Winners

Sidney Poitier Lifelong Achievement Award
Woodie King, Jr.

Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award
Vy Higginsen

August Wilson Playwright Award
Celeste Bedford Walker

Lloyd Richards Director Award
Ed Smith

Living Legend Award
Andre` De Shields
Fatima Dike
Paul Carter Harrison
Joan Lewis
Robert Macbeth
Barbara Montgomery
Juanita Moore
Melba Moore
Clarance (C.Lee) Turner

Outstanding Achievement In Film
Julie Dash

Outstanding Achievement In Costume Design
Reggie Ray

Outstanding Achievement In Lighting Design
Shirley Prendergast

Outstanding Achievement In Scenic Design
Felix Cochren

Theatre Longevity Award
Berkeley Black Repertory Group

Special Recognition Award
LaChanze

 Marvtastic Philanthropy Award
Hanesbrands, Inc.

9:00 p.m.
DON’T BOTHER ME, I CAN’T COPE
North Carolina Black Repertory Company (Winston-Salem, NC)
A high energy musical weaving through segments of the African American experience. Spoken word, jazz, blues and gospel are infused with cultural wisdom and humor as the oppressed arise victoriously.
Written by Micki Grant.
(University of North Carolina School of the Arts Stevens Center) Ticket price for Opening Nite Show ONLY $100.00
(This ticket does not include the Gala Awards Ceremony.)

 

10:30 p.m.
Celebrity Reception
(Marriott Hotel)

Special Guests will include Kim Wayans, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Vanessa Williams, Dorien Wilson, Melba Moore plus more than 50 celebrity attendees at the Marriott Hotel. Admission with ticket stub from this evening’s performance.