African Continuum Theatre is the only full-time, professional African American theatre company in Washington, D.C. We have presented over 35 fully-produced, main-stage plays, seven world premieres, along with numerous public readings of new works by playwrights of color and have been recognized by numerous organizations such as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, Helen Hayes Awards,and the Washington Post. African Continuum Theatre is the only full-time, professional African American theatre company in Washington, D.C. We have presented over 35 fully-produced, main-stage plays, seven world premieres, along with numerous public readings of new works by playwrights of color and have been recognized by numerous organizations such as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, Helen Hayes Awards,and the Washington Post. African Continuum Theatre is the only full-time, professional African American theatre company in Washington, D.C. We have presented over 35 fully-produced, main-stage plays, seven world premieres, along with numerous public readings of new works by playwrights of color and have been recognized by numerous organizations such as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, Helen Hayes Awards,and the Washington Post. Visit us at: http://www.africancontinuumtheatre.com

1. Vision
Beyond the Stage
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2. Executive Summary
 For the past half-century, Washington DC’s black
majority has yielded a distinct culture. But in the midst of
gentrification that is now fading fast1.
 For over 20 plus years African Continuum has been telling
the story of African-Americans through quality, relevant
and real productions , yet, even success on the stage
hasn’t translated into financial success and stability.
 To survive, remain relevant and brand it’s niche, African
Continuum must assure that it is the only Theatre
company in DC who’s motto “Tells the Story and
Preserves the Legacy of African-Americans through
Theatre by focusing on the “Beyond the Stage Elements”:
 Economic2 and Educational Impact3 (e2) through Theatre 2

3. African Continuum’s Economic Impact
 The Economic Impact of African Continuum is
the core of what we do:
 Operations & Productions
 But we must rebrand and rethink the way we
measure, track, and highlight our Economic
Impact. The message must be clear: African
Continuum is the only DC black owned and
operated professional theatre company
dedicated to hiring, giving, and allowing local
area playwrights, actors, and staff of African-
American decent employment opportunities
while showcasing talents, gaining workable 3
skills and earning income.

4. African Continuum’s Economic Impact
 Our production brand is strong and recognizable
through the DC area black theatre and arts
community4
 African Continuum must be mission focused
on continuing to produce quality productions
that highlight the African American Story, with
certain productions having a DC Area Centric
Script, written and produced by an area artist.
Thereby, preserving the legacy of the African-
Americans in DC while creating economic
impact for those African-American
constituents and branding the organization. 4

5. African Continuum’s Educational Impact
 African Continuum must be an advocate and leader in
assuring assess to theatre arts for underserved
youths in the DC public schools.
“E3: Educate, Enlighten, and Empower through Theatre”
 This focus would create a “Volunteerism Program” led
by Staff with community participation.
 We should seek to form a partnership with a local public
“at-risk” school that has cut or dissolved its Theatre Arts
Extracurricular Activities and offer to take this
Programming on for the School5.
 The purpose and impact is on children and teenagers,
primarily African American, and many of whom are
disadvantaged, at-risk youth from underserved 5
communities enrolled in schools.

6. African Continuum’s Educational Impact
 The community must see the African Continuum
“Beyond the Stage” and in the community making a
difference through theatre.
 More Programming with a greater impact Like Paxen
Learning's About Face Contract.
 Similar Theatre Companies across the Country and in
our own backyard have seen success in a focus on
Beyond the Stage Impact:
 Cincinnati Black Theatre Company
 Shakespeare Theatre Company
 Penumbra Theatre
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7. African Continuum’s E2 Impact
The African Continuum Economic and Educational Impact includes
an aggressive and multidimensional effort to engage and
reinvigorate the DC Area Community:
If African Continuum can execute on the E2 Impact then we will survive, remain
relevant and brand our niche. Thus , “Telling our Story and Preserving the Legacy
of African-Americans in DC and Nationwide through Theatre.