Malkia Stampley (center right) of the Bronzeville Arts Ensemble leads the 2017 Alice’s Garden Black Lives Matter event. (Photo by Adam Carr)

Two years ago, Bronzeville Arts Ensemble (BAE) and Milwaukee Repertory Theater (The Rep) joined in partnership through which BAE would become a resident theater company of The Rep. This unique pairing was designed to strengthen both companies with the ultimate goal for BAE to have a long-term, sustainable path given the tremendous challenges that face emerging theater companies.

Recently an opportunity arose for BAE to join Black Arts MKE as a permanent resident company, and we have collectively agreed to pursue that opportunity. Black Arts MKE can provide the necessary back office and managerial support for BAE to continue to grow and The Rep can invite another emerging theater company to join in residence.

“This is a great opportunity for BAE. We thank them for their partnership and wish them nothing but success in the future,” said Chad Bauman, managing director, The Rep. The partnership between BAE and The Rep has resulted in terrific collaborations, not the least of which was a critically acclaimed production of The Mojo and The Sayso in the Stiemke Studio.

“Bronzeville Arts Ensemble is fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with Milwaukee Repertory Theater over the past two years,” said Sheri Williams Pannell, artistic director, Bronzeville Arts Ensemble. “Collaboration helps make theater happen, especially for relatively new companies like BAE. We are grateful to The Rep for its support and mentorship.”

This important collaboration will only strengthen great arts efforts in this community. “Black Arts MKE is excited to welcome BAE to the family as a permanent resident and looks forward to amazing productions,” said Barbara Wanzo, executive director, Black Arts MKE.

Bronzeville Arts Ensemble will begin its residency this month in time for planning its 2018 production season.