NBT’s Theatre Arts Program (TAP) is dedicated to developing talent to produce, entertain and educate the public through performing and theatrical arts presentations. TAP provides training and live performance opportunities for people who wish to study acting, movement, writing, and technical production.

Since 1968, The National Black Theatre has presented the world with groundbreaking award-winning original theatrical productions through the visionary guidance of Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. In 1983, NBT began producing theatrical works written by new African-American playwrights, directed by African-American directors. Through the unparalleled efforts of the late Tunde Samuel it garnered over 30 AUDELCO awards for its excellence in theatre.

NBT performances attract audiences of over 90,000 each year, more than any other African-American community-based Theatre company in New York City. TAP is presently housed on the second floor of the North Tower of the NBT complex, where there is a theatre with a proscenium arch stage that seats a maximum of 99 people.

Theatre Arts activities consist of theatrical presentations, produced or co-produced by NBT with all sets built on the premises by members of NBT’s Entrepreneurial Arts Program. Even NBT’s lights and costumes are designed in-house providing training and jobs for many creative artists in the Harlem community.