BLACK PLAYWRIGHTS INITIATIVE (BPI)

The Black Playwrights Initiative (BPI) was created six years ago by Jackie Taylor, Founder and Executive Director of the Black Ensemble Theater.  In explaining why the BPI was formulated Ms. Taylor stated, "Chicago has a rich and fertile community of African American Playwrights.  There was a need for an organization that focused specifically on these artists as it related to their unique cultural heritage.  The BPI is a vehicle that brings us together as a community to share resources and nourish our skills.  It is the purpose of the BPI to develop scripts for the Black Ensemble Theater.  It is also the purpose of the BPI to increase local and national exposure for our membership."  The BPI also provides training, technological resources and advancement opportunities for Chicago's African American Playwrights community.

If you are interested in joining the BPI, please contact Wendell etherly at w_etherlyproductions@yahoo.com to receive application information.

MEMBERS OF THE BPI
Jackie Taylor - Founder/Chairman	Wendell Etherly - Co-Chair	Daryl D. Brooks
Rueben D. Echoles	Michael Gardner	Marylin Grimes
Jasmine Coles	Dawn Bless Mitchell	Sheri Yarbrough
M. Shelly Conner	Cory Wright	Lillian E. Mitchum
Joe Plummer	Jamana Jamison	M.H. Pope
Lyle Miller	Marcus Jones	Jil Ross
Tony Duwon	Roslyn Jordan	Carolyn Rogers
Wilbert Taylor	Tawania Parker White	Marylene S. Whitehead
Cherie Durham	Loy Webb	Kenitra Woods