The Uprise Experience: Houston Black Theatre Week was founded in 2022 by playwright, director, and producer Harold JAY Trotter with a bold vision — to create a week-long celebration dedicated to works by Black independent playwrights and producers. Partnering with the historic DeLUXE Theater of Houston, Harold joined forces with Harrison Guy, Director of Arts and Culture at the DeLUXE, to bring the idea to life. Together, they curated a team that produced the inaugural Houston Black Theatre Week in September 2023 — a two-week festival showcasing six productions by Black playwrights. Notable past productions include Cleopatra by Joy Yvonne Jones, Mr. Booker T. at the Door from Vincent Victoria Presents, and Black Boys Cry by 1989 Dreams Productions.

​

That first year also introduced the All Call Auditions, led by Dr. Dabrina Sandifer and Esurient Arts, giving Black-identifying actors the rare opportunity to audition for major companies such as The Alley Theatre, The Ensemble Theatre, and others — both union and non-union, independent and regional.

 

In 2024, the festival streamlined to one powerful week and continued to thrive, presenting The Houston Black Theatre Week Honors, a signature moment, celebrating cultural impact with past recipients including Brandy Specks, Cherita Judson, Roc Living, and Jabari Collins.

​

By 2025, Dr. Sandifer and Esurient Arts officially joined as a partner, and the festival embraced its evolution with a new name: The Uprise Experience: Houston Black Theatre Week — honoring the original vision while expanding its reach and impact.

Today, the Uprise Experience continues its mission: uplifting independent playwrights and producers, showcasing and educating talent, and ensuring professional arts remain accessible to all. It stands as both a celebration and a movement — a stage for our stories, a platform for our voices, and a testament to the power of rising together.