ABCT Play Compilation.
Anthony Bean, originally from New Orleans' Seventh Ward, has been an enthusiastic advocate for theater and the performing arts since co-founding the Ethiopian Theater in 1973. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1985, he returned to New Orleans to establish the Anthony Bean Community Theater and Acting School.
With over 50 years of contributions to Black theater, Bean has received numerous accolades. These include the New Orleans City Council's proclamation of "Anthony Bean's Day" in 2010 and the Trailblazer Award at the Southern Black Theatre Festival in 2012. Under his artistic direction, his company has won several Ambie and Big Easy Awards. Additionally, he was honored with the New Orleans Arts Council's Community Arts Award in 2010, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Big Easy Entertainment Awards in 2017, In 2020, the Center for African and African American Studies at Southern University at New Orleans honored Anthony Bean with the prestigious Living Legends Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions and dedication to the community.
In 2023, he received a proclamation from the Ashe Cultural Arts Center for outstanding community service. The City of New Orleans acknowledged him for his impactful contributions to Black theater the following year, and he earned the WYES-TV 2024 Celeste Seymour Judell Arts Award. In 2025, he was honored with the prestigious Giving Gracefully Awards, which celebrate individuals who drive positive change in their communities, This initiative, established by The OMBI Group, was founded by the mothers of NFL players and actively recognizes those making a difference in Super Bowl cities.
Founder/Artistic Director - Anthony Bean
Welcome
It's been 25 years and counting.
The Anthony Bean Community Theater and Acting School (ABCT), founded in spring 2000 by Anthony Bean, serves as a vital cultural hub in the New Orleans area. It provides a platform for diverse performing arts and education in acting, set design, and theater management, fostering connections to the local film industry.
ABCT is a prominent theater production company and a year-round acting school offering open enrollment for adults and children. Its mission is to inspire those it serves through the magic of the arts while maintaining a strong commitment to diversity. This commitment is reflected in its diverse theater schedule, which features works by notable playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, August Wilson, and Lorraine Hansberry. The lineup includes popular dramas like "Reflections," "Misery," and "A Raisin in the Sun," as well as comedies such as "Jar the Floor" and "Steal Away." Furthermore, ABCT highlights musicals, including "The Color Purple," "Simply Irma," "The Phyllis Hyman Story," and "The Bodyguard: The Musical."
ABCT features original plays, including "I’d Rather Be Rich," "Say Amen," and "Irma Meets Etta at the Dew Drop Inn." It also proudly showcases its youth theater program, which presents beloved productions such as "CATS," "THE WIZ," "The Lion King," and "High School Musical."
THE AUGUST WILSON CENTURY CYCLE AWARD
In November 2018, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The August Wilson House/Daisy Wilson Artist Community presented ABCT with the distinguished "August Wilson American Century Cycle Award" for completing Wilson's ten-play cycle.
ACTING SCHOOL
The ABCT Acting School is committed to providing intensive, high-quality learning and performance experiences in an environment that encourages young people to set goals, take risks, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. ABCT seeks to inspire students to achieve greatness while fostering an understanding that the arts are a powerful means of self-expression.
In addition to acting classes for children and adults, ABCT offers youth theater programs and after-school activities. ABCT collaborates with the New Orleans Recreational Department Commission during the summer months to operate a Performing Arts Summer Camp.
ABCT produces a teen talk TV show called “WHAT’S GOING ON?” This reality show focuses on teenagers' everyday issues and aims to present these topics positively and upliftingly while motivating young viewers. The program “WHAT’S GOING ON?” is broadcast on My54-WUPL TV.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we invite you to support us by purchasing a PASS for the upcoming theater season or by donating to invest in our various youth programs and TV talk shows. Thank you for participating in our journey—“ABCT IS MORE THAN THEATER… IT’S CULTURE!”
Invest In ABCT!
Support the Anthony Bean Community Theater and Acting School! ABCT is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, meaning all contributions are tax-deductible. Please invest today to keep the theater alive and exciting in our community!
Support ABCT's Mission
Your donation helps us continue developing the next generation of theater of artists and bringing quality productions to our community. Every contribution makes a difference
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Where Your Donation Makes an Impact
Student Scholarships
Help talented students access quality theater education regardless of financial background
Production Support
Fund costumes, sets, lighting, and other production essentials for our shows.
Equipment & Facilities
Maintain and upgrade our theater space, sound systems, and training equipment.
Community Outreach
Expand our reach to serve more families and communities through theater arts.
Join Our Community of Supporters
Together, we're building a stronger theater community and nurturing the artists of tomorrow.
After auditioning for the Anthony Bean Community Theater and Acting School (ABCT) and being accepted, I was involved in theater from 9th grade through my senior year. It truly changed and saved my life. So, the person I want to give my flowers to is someone who changed my entire trajectory and my life — director Anthony Bean. The lessons I learned from Mr. Bean and ABCT continue to influence my work today. Thank you for your service to the youth of New Orleans. 🙌🏾💐
This Black History Month, we're highlighting the influential people in our lives. Everyone deserves recognition, and through our new series, 'Water Your Roses’, we're making sure they get it. 🌹#Shot by @collectivegllry 🎥 #theathletesfoot #BHM #GivingFlowers #WaterYourRoses #Mentoring
