Spring 2010
Dear Black Theatre Network members and friends:
Welcome to the beginnings of spring and to the dawn of a new season in BTN. I want to commend all BTN Board members and general body members whose commitment has carried this organization forward through the prosperous times and the lean.
As I prepare to lead BTN after July 2010, I am eager to renew your engagement in our organization’s endeavors. I came to BTN some years ago with an overwhelming sense that theatre folk would be invigorating, and that BTN members, specifically, would speak truth to power and always encourage each other to hold fast to what's good, right, and fair. I knew I had found a safe place amongst a crowd of scholars, directors, students, technicians, actors, and producers when I met many of you.
During the next two years, I hope to work with people like you who agree with me that our Black theatres are special places. I seek to work with people who value friendship and joyfulness. In my estimation, serving on the BTN Board should not only bolster one's professional reach, but also contribution to the longevity and prosperity of Black Theatre. Serving should be a unique and special opportunity for each of us to exercise our creative and collaborative energies. So the 2010-2012 Board seeks members who want to see BTN return to its glory days; we seek people who aren't afraid to work, but who are very afraid to work themselves into the ground. The Board calls for people who enjoy community and who want a professional, safe place in theatre—a fun place in theatre and an energizing place in theatre. Are you one of those people?
During this nominations season, I will call on you personally or collectively to help empower BTN by serving on its Board or by recommitting to your annual membership. As we move closer to July and our 24th annual conference, BTN’s dynamic On-site Coordinators Kathryn Ervin ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and Andre Harrington ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) will seek your support and your self-assignment to various projects. In the meantime, why not contact them to lend a hand?
I respect the longevity of the Black Theatre Network, its founders, its many Boards and members over the years, and its mission, so I charge myself to renew my energy for the years ahead.
Why not join me by accepting a position on the Board or by renewing your membership?
Warmest regards,
La Tanya L. Reese Rogers
La Tanya L. Reese Rogers, Ph.D.
Vice President, Black Theatre Network (BTN)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ▪ 202-274-5667
