History

"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in policies, but for our contribution to the human spirit."
-President John F. Kennedy

Established in 1975, Theatre of the Performing Arts of Shreveport is a non-profit, tax exempt organization whose mission is to foster the culture, arts, and history of African-Americans; to offer multi-disciplined arts programs for children, youth, and adults; and to act as a clearinghouse for the arts in Northwest Louisiana. For over forty years, Theatre of the Performing Arts of Shreveport has been a pioneer in promoting positive representations of African-American culture through innovative programming in theatre, dance, music, visual arts, history and literature, as well as artist visits in the performing and visual arts.

Theatre of the Performing Arts of Shreveport was the initiator of the African-American History Month Celebration in the community, as well as the schools from 1978-1981, the founder and organizer of the first Black Arts Festival in 1985 and 1986, which is now the Let the Good Times Roll Festival, and the first African-American History Parade held in Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana in 1991 and 1992.

Previous visiting artists include legendary and nationally known scholars, visual and performing artists such as: Maya Angelou, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, Lerone Bennett, Jr., Curtis King, Ntozake Shange, Sports Figure L.C. Greenwood, John Biggers, F.L. Spellmon, Ron Smith (local visual/graphic artist), Harvey Johnson (Texas Southern University Art Dept.), Monroe Bean, John O'Neal, Natalie Hinderas, Ben Powers, Chuck Davis & the Chuck Davis Dance Company, Storyteller Jackie Torrence, Concert pianist Leon Bates, Harold Jones, and the Nat Adley Jazz Quintet.