About Blackstage

Mission Statement

The purpose of BLACKstage is to provide high caliber performance and creative opportunities for people of color, as well as tell the stories of marginalized communities not often represented in traditional theater, primarily centered around the black perspective. BLACKstage is a space for performers, artists, musicians, designers, and other creatives to showcase their talents and create a collective effort towards socially conscious storytelling.

BLACKstage is committed to producing high-quality theatrical productions that align with and advance the goals outlined in our mission statement. We also host various theater and African and African American Diaspora issues workshops for the Stanford and larger community.

Company History

BLACKstage was founded by Tracy Oliver '07 and Issa Rae '07 to tell stories for and by Black artists. It was revived in 2017 by founding members who wanted the freedom to create socially-conscious art. Now, in 2022, BLACKstage is back for these same reasons: to tell Black stories, uplift Black voices, and celebrate Black artistry.