Crossroads’ Mission Statement:
Crossroads Theatre and its productions encourage and explore performances that address the issues and experiences of ethnic minorities in the United States and the experiences of international cultures, including Asia, The Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and the Indigenous Peoples of the World (AMALI). One of Crossroads Theatre’s objectives is to promote the production of AMALI scripts within the School of Theatre and to aid the School of Theatre by building community awareness and participation. Crossroads Theatre strives to develop multicultural audiences and artists who embrace and support a multicultural vision and, together, build bridges of better understanding between people of all backgrounds at Illinois State University and in the surrounding community. Another objective is to enrich the educational experiences of students in the School of Theatre by sponsoring visits by guest artists and scholars whose work coincides with the mission of Crossroads Theatre. Crossroads Theatre promotes the highest standards of artistic and creative excellence and is committed to maintaining a viable and enduring artistic collaboration between Illinois State University and the Bloomington-Normal community.
Crossroads’ Impact on Diversity:
With its growing minority population of African Americans, Latino/Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans, the Illinois State University (ISU) School of Theatre felt a need to make a place in its production season for minority playwrights and composers. Since the largest minority population is African American, the School of Theatre first sought to produce African-American playwrights, whose works could interconnect with other cultures. However, as we expanded in our endeavor, we produced the works of all minority groups.
Crossroads’ Inception:
On November 16, 2000, Crossroads Theatre was formerly established and introduced to Illinois State University, Bloomington-Normal and surrounding communities during an Open House and Reception held at the Illinois State University Galleries. More than 200 people were in attendance. Since the Open House, Crossroads Theatre has had much community support and interest.
Crossroads’ Public Outreach/Audience:
The School of Theatre and its Illinois Shakespeare Company serve patrons primarily in the Bloomington-Normal area with in-roads in Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, Springfield, and Peoria metro areas. Last year (2007-2008 Season) the School served approximately 30,000 community patrons and 4,000 ISU students. Through Crossroads Theatre, an even larger audience was reached by developing a special public relations campaign for minority populations in the Bloomington-Normal area. In addition to our current patrons, Crossroads Theatre brings theatre to those in the Bloomington-Normal community who are not normally exposed to theatre.
Crossroads’ Current and Past Plays and Events:
Fall 2008
Breath, Boom by Kia Corthron, an African American drama directed by Sandi Zielinski
Fall 2007
The Unnatural and Accidental Women by Marie Clements, a Native American drama
directed by Deb Alley
Spring 2007
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson, an African American drama directed by
Guest Artist and Alum Kathyrn Ervin
Fall 2006
Othello’s Passion: A Kabuki Play, conceived and directed by Guest Artist Shozo Sato,
an internationally renowned Japanese master of Zen arts and visionary theatre
drector, most known for adapting western classic to Japanese Kabuki theatre.
Fall 2005
Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz, a Hispanic American drama directed by
Kathleen Maki
Fall 2004
1. Crowns by Regina Taylor, an African American musical drama directed by
Leslie Sloan Orr
2. Playwright Regina Taylor – Crossroads Theatre’s Minority Guest Artist and Speaker
for School of Theatre Colloquium
3. Minority Guest Artist and Lighting Designer Kathy Perkins – Crossroads Theatre
Guest Speaker for School of Theatre Colloquium
2003-2004
Roosters by Milcha Sanchez-Scott, a Hispanic American drama directed by Janet Wilson
2002-2003
Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Thomas “Fats” Waller, an African American musical directed by
Leslie Sloan Orr
2001-2002
1. The Piano Lesson by August Wilson, an African American drama directed by
Leslie Sloan Orr
2. The Illinois State University’s Hate Crimes Symposium, sponsored by the ISU
College of Fine Arts, the School of Theatre, and Crossroads Theatre
a). Guest Speaker C.T. Vivian (one of the men in the late Martin Luther King’s
inner-circle)
b). Hosted by former Governor George Ryan’s administration
3. The Black Othello Shakespearean Workshop in Collaboration with the
ISU Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Crossroads Theatre
2000-2001
For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf
by Ntozake Shange, an African American drama directed by Leslie Sloan Orr
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For more information on Crossroads Theatre contact:
Leslie Sloan Orr, Ph.D.
Artistic Director and
Associate Professor of Playwriting and African American Drama
(309) 438-2895
lsorr@ilstu.edu
