Bishop Arts Theatre Center (BATC) is an award-winning, multicultural, multidisciplinary arts institution founded in September 1993. Our mission is to engage and cultivate a vibrant arts community by welcoming emerging artists and developing equitable, multigenerational programming where learning and social impact are invited and celebrated.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit and recipient of the Dallas Business Journal’s inaugural 2021 Leaders in Diversity Award, BATC presents a full season of theatre productions, jazz concerts, a speaker series, and year-round arts education. Governed by a 11-member board, we reach 30,000+ artists, audiences, and young people annually through in-person and virtual programs. BATC is a cultural oasis nurturing the next generation of acclaimed writers, directors, performers, and arts administrators.
Awards & Accomplishments
Dallas Business Journal Leaders in Diversity Award (2021)
Theatre Communications Group Peter Zeisler Memorial Award (2019)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award – Best Choreography, Zebretta Johnson- Black Nativity by Langston Hughes (2018)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award – Best Costume Design of a Musical, Tina Washington- Black Nativity by Langston Hughes (2018)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award – Best Sound Design of a Play, David Lanza- Thurgood by George Stevens (2018)
National Guild for Community Arts Education Milestone Award (2018)
D-FW Theater Critics Forum – Outstanding New Play- In Tall Grass by Paul Kalburgi (2018)
Obelisk Award Winner – Visionary Nonprofit Arts Leader- Teresa Coleman Wash (2018)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award Winner – Best Play, Bishop Arts Theatre Center – Ruined by Lynn Nottage (2017)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award Winner – Best Director, Phyllis Cicero – Ruined by Lynn Nottage (2017)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award Winner – Best Set Design, Rodney Dobbs – Ruined by Lynn Nottage (2017)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award Winner – Featured Actress in a Play, Dominque Edwards – Ruined by Lynn Nottage (2017)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award – Best Musical Director, Michael Hubbard Jr. – Black Nativity by Langston Hughes (2017)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award – Featured Actress in a Musical, Kenja Brown – Black Nativity by Langston Hughes (2017)
Irma P. Hall Black Theatre Award – Lead Actress in a Musical, Angela Blair-Jeffries – Black Nativity by Langston Hugues (2017)
Irma P. Hall Black Theater Award – Best Lead Actress in a Play, Sherry Hurnes – The Face of Emmett Till by Mamie Till-Mobley and David Barr III (2016)
Irma P. Hall Black Theater Award – Best Lighting Design – Black Nativity by Langston Hughes (2015)
Theater Achievement Award, BroadwayWorld Dallas Regional Award (2014)- Miguel Hidalgo Award Nominee (2014)
Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce Event Of The Year – Jazz Series (2013)
D Magazine Best Performing Arts Venue Finalist (2013)
Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce President’s Award (2012)
D-Family Magazine Guide To The Best Performing Arts Camp (2011)
Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs Financial Excellence In The Arts Award (2007)
Innovator’s Award, Urban Theatre & Entertainment National Festival (2006)
Affiliations
- BATC is a proud member of the Professional Non-profit Theatre Coalition
- BATC is a proud member of the Theatre Communications Group.
- BATC is a proud member of the New Play Exchange.
- BATC is a proud member of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce.
- BATC supports and is a proud member of the Dallas Area Cultural Advocacy Coalition.
- BATC is a proud member of Texans For The Arts.
- BATC proudly supports the Dramatists Guild of America.
Our Commitment
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING STATEMENT
Bishop Arts Theatre Center (BATC) is committed to equitable access, welcoming emerging and established artists across generations and identities. We reduce barriers through scholarships; student ticket discounts; free parking; and discounted office space for artists, social-impact agencies, and nonprofits. Our programs are intentionally designed as safe, affirming spaces of belonging—especially for communities historically underrepresented in the arts.
Our staff reflects our constituency and is dedicated to a workplace where everyone can work, learn, perform, and build community with dignity and respect. Our six-person team identifies as 50% Black/African American and 50% Hispanic/LatinX. Staff complete annual training on belonging, inclusion, and access.
BATC’s 11-member board is a dedicated, diverse body (~55% Black/African American, ~45% white; six Black and five white). An equity practitioner serves on the board and provides biannual workshops. We recruit directors using a board matrix to ensure range in experience, age, identity, and geography—prioritizing former clients, industry experts, and leaders from southern Dallas.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
BATC is committed to an environment free from harassment for board, staff, independent contractors, artists, patrons, volunteers, and participants. Harassment—including sexual harassment—is prohibited by law and will not be tolerated in our theatre, at sponsored events, or in related virtual spaces. We take all credible reports seriously and will act promptly to stop misconduct, prevent recurrence, and remedy impact. Retaliation against anyone who makes a good-faith report or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.