Encore Theatre and Gallery: Who We Are

Encore Theatre and Gallery is a community theater located in the Roebuck Spring neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, and plays an important role in showcasing local talent and promoting cultural diversity. The theater invites audiences from all backgrounds to experience the transformative power of art through its programs and events. It was recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of the “18 Black Theater Companies You Can Support Right Now.”

The theater is an intimate space that provides a creative atmosphere for artists and audiences alike. It consists of a main stage space, a lobby art gallery that showcases works by local artists, and a black box/flex space that allows for flexible seating arrangements during performances and events.

Although often considered off the beaten path, Encore Theatre and Gallery is a beloved institution within the city of Birmingham, Alabama. It has gained a reputation for being one of the most popular arts facilities in the city, attracting theatre goers from all walks of life. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Encore has become a go-to destination for people looking for a night out filled with culture and entertainment.

Whether you are a seasoned theater-goer or a first-time visitor, Encore Theatre and Gallery promises an unforgettable experience that will inspire, entertain, and enrich your life. As an official venue for the performing arts, it is a vital part of the cultural landscape of Birmingham, Alabama.

Mission Statement

We seek to nurture the talent of the often marginalized community, both young and mature. We will strive to create accessible art and life-changing experiences through innovative entertainment that assists and reflects our vast and diverse neighborhoods. The Encore’s pursuit is to utilize the arts to heal, entertain, educate, and serve the creative community, while purposefully saluting the African-American experience through the arts.

At Encore Theatre and Gallery, we go beyond entertainment to promote equity and inclusion in Birmingham’s theater landscape. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on community support to continue our important work. Our values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) guide us in creating theater productions that reflect the diverse communities they represent. We believe that the performing arts have the power to educate, enlighten, and unite individuals from all walks of life. With our unwavering commitment to IDEA, we aim to break down barriers and create a welcoming and inclusive theater environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Join us in creating meaningful and transformative experiences for all.

PROGRAMS

The “How Great Thou Art Project” is a six-month scholarship program by Encore Theatre and Gallery, dedicated to providing full scholarships for theatre, dance, and music lessons (piano/drum) to 200 children from underserved communities in Birmingham, Alabama. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap in access to quality arts education for children from low-income and marginalized neighborhoods, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of their artistic and personal growth.


Program Highlights:


• Target Audience: 200 children from economically disadvantaged and crime-burdened areas.

• Duration: January through June.

• Disciplines: Theatre, dance, piano, and drum lessons.

• Scholarship Coverage: Full tuition, materials, and supplies for all participants.


Mission and Vision:

The How Great Thou Art Project is built on the belief that every child possesses greatness and that the arts are a powerful medium for unlocking that potential. By offering comprehensive arts education through full scholarships, we aim to enhance academic performance, foster social-emotional growth, and inspire community engagement. The program’s name reflects a dual purpose: a nod to the hymn “How Great Thou Art,” symbolizing our commitment to uplifting young lives, and a celebration of the transformative power of the arts.


Leadership and Steering Committee:

The program is led by a steering committee of creatives under the leadership of Ramone R. Billingsley, a classically trained organist and esteemed musician. Ramone, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, studied organ performance at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music under Mr. David Boe and has trained in various disciplines, including harpsichord, orchestral conducting, and jazz piano. He has performed across the country and served as a Minister of Music and Organist at several churches. His deep commitment to the arts and his community positions him as an ideal leader for this transformative initiative.


Get Involved:

We invite community members, sponsors, and partners to join us in making a lasting impact on these young lives. Your support can help us continue to nurture the next generation of artists, leaders, and changemakers.


For more information or to get involved, please contact us at [Contact Information].


This updated write-up reflects the program’s emphasis on providing full scholarships and can be featured on your website under the programs section, providing a clear and compelling overview of the How Great Thou Art Project.

EncoreCares

Encore Theatre and Gallery stands as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and community empowerment in Birmingham, Alabama. As a minority-owned and operated theater, our mission goes beyond the arts, extending into the heart of our community to address vital needs. We believe that for creativity to truly flourish, the well-being of our artists and creatives must be a priority, which is why we are committed to supporting those who make our cultural landscape vibrant and meaningful.

 

One of the critical issues facing our community is food insecurity, a challenge that disproportionately affects many in the creative sector. Despite Birmingham’s progress, many artists and creatives struggle to maintain reliable access to nutritious food due to the economic uncertainties often associated with their work. To address this, we established the EncoreCares feeding program, specifically designed to support those whose artistic contributions enrich our community. This program is about more than providing meals—it’s about sustaining the very people who bring art and creativity to life.

 

The EncoreCares feeding program is rooted in the understanding that a thriving creative community is essential to the cultural health of Birmingham. By ensuring that artists and creatives have their basic needs met, we empower them to focus on their craft, education, and personal growth. Through this initiative, we aim to alleviate the burden of food insecurity so that our artists can continue to inspire, innovate, and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of our city.

The Script Club at Encore Theatre and Gallery

Explore. Engage. Experience.

The Script Club at Encore Theatre and Gallery is more than just a club—it’s a vibrant community where theater enthusiasts come together to celebrate the art of stage readings. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or simply curious about the world of performance, the Script Club offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse and innovative works.

What We Do:

Every month, we gather at the Encore Theatre Gallery to enjoy a carefully curated selection of stage readings. Our sessions feature a relaxed atmosphere where you can savor charcuterie, wine, and cheese while experiencing the talents of local performers bringing scripts to life. Following each reading, we hold engaging discussions led by scholars and theater professionals, offering insights into the themes, context, and creative process behind the works.

How It Works:

The Script Club operates with a sense of community and participation at its core. Members are encouraged to submit script suggestions to “The Book Shelf,” a collection of potential readings drawn from our members’ diverse tastes and interests. Each month, a script is selected from this pool, and performers are chosen to bring the story to life. This ensures that our monthly gatherings are fresh, dynamic, and reflective of the collective interests of our members.

Membership Benefits:

•Cultural Enrichment: Explore a wide range of theatrical works, from classic dramas to cutting-edge contemporary plays.

•Community Building: Connect with fellow theater lovers and engage in lively post-reading discussions.

•Exclusive Access: Enjoy priority seating, special events, and discounts on other Encore Theatre productions.

•Member Submissions: Have a say in what we read next by contributing to “The Book Shelf.”

Join Us:

Membership in the Script Club is designed to be flexible and accessible. Whether you prefer to pay monthly or take advantage of our annual membership discount, we have an option that suits your needs. Plus, with our online registration process, joining is easy.