— About
Our Story,
our mission.
“The Little Theatre
with A Lot of Soul.”
Encore Theatre and Gallery is a Birmingham-based community theatre and art gallery founded in 2018. While we believe that a rich and culturally diverse arts landscape requires all voices, Encore is steadfast in its mission to ensure that talented voices from the African diaspora are woven into that tapestry.
With purpose and passion, we champion storytelling that reflects the beauty, resilience, and creativity of our community. Through innovative productions, impactful programs, and a commitment to representation, we aim to inspire, educate, and connect our city.
We are a cornerstone of Birmingham — created by and for the people who live here. We exist to uplift powerful stories, cultivate local talent, and give young people a creative path forward. It is a space where families gather, where community grows, and where culture is preserved.
Supporting Encore isn't about choosing sides. It's about investing in Birmingham's future — a future where more people are engaged, uplifted, and proud to call this city home.
— Our Journey
About Encore Theatre
and Gallery.
Also operating as Encore School of Arts and Theatre
Founded in 2018 by Birmingham-born playwright, director, and producer Marc Raby, Encore Theatre and Gallery was established with a singular vision: to create a cultural home where Black stories, voices, and artistry could be seen, celebrated, and preserved through the transformative power of live performance.
What began as an ambitious grassroots theatre company quickly evolved into one of Alabama’s few Black-owned brick-and-mortar theatre institutions—a space devoted not only to performance, but to education, artistic development, and community engagement. Incorporated as the Encore School of Arts and Theatre in 2019, the organization expanded its mission to include youth arts education, actor training, new works development, and interdisciplinary programming that bridges theatre, music, and visual art.
Over the years, Encore has become known for producing bold contemporary works, classic dramas, musicals, original plays, and culturally resonant storytelling rooted in the African-American experience. Guided by its mantra,
“The Little Theatre with a Lot of Soul,”
Encore has built a reputation for intimate, emotionally rich productions that challenge, entertain, and inspire.
From its early beginnings in East Birmingham to its 2025 relocation into the heart of downtown Birmingham, Encore’s journey has mirrored its mission—growing with intention, resilience, and purpose. Its current home in Birmingham’s historic theatre district places it among the city’s cultural landmarks, positioning the organization as an essential contributor to the region’s artistic ecosystem.
More than a theatre, Encore serves as a creative incubator for emerging and established artists alike. Through programs like the Encore School of Arts and Theatre, youth camps, playwright development initiatives, and community collaborations, the organization invests in the next generation of storytellers while creating meaningful artistic opportunities for today.
At its core, Encore exists to ensure that stories from the African diaspora are not marginalized, but centered. In an ever-changing cultural landscape, the organization remains committed to producing work that is fearless, inclusive, and deeply human—art that reflects the beauty, complexity, humor, and truth of Black life.
As Encore continues to grow, its mission remains the same:
to amplify voices, preserve culture, educate artists, and create unforgettable theatrical experiences for Birmingham and beyond.
— Pillars
What we stand for.
01
Diversity
Uplifting marginalized voices and celebrating the beauty of perspectives from across the African diaspora.
02
Equity
Creating a space where representation matters — on stage, behind the scenes, and in our audience.
03
Inclusion
Building a home where families gather, where everyone belongs, and culture is preserved.
"Thank you for joining us in celebrating inclusion, empowerment, and the power of storytelling. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more connected future. Welcome to Encore."
— Marc Raby, Artistic Director