Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Teresa Coleman-Wash. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Teresa , thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The impact Diana Ross had on me when I first saw her in The Wiz was profound and life-altering. After that experience, I found myself consistently performing songs from the musical in every pageant or contest I participated in. Years later, I had the opportunity to work as a background singer in a Gospel touring show. However, when the tour ended, I felt a deep sense of emptiness within me. Shortly after, I took on the task of organizing the entertainment for our church choir Christmas party and wrote a successful skit for the occasion. This positive reception led me to expand the skit into a full-length script, which eventually became my first play, “The Test Of Time.” Though I lacked experience and the promoters faced financial losses, this setback motivated me to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to the arts. This decision marked the beginning of a significant chapter in my life journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Growing up, I always had a passion for storytelling and performance. I was deeply inspired by the power of theater to illuminate the human experience and bring communities together. After studying business in college and participating in countless talent shows, I embarked on a mission to make the arts more accessible and inclusive, especially in underserved communities.

That’s where Bishop Arts Theatre Center (BATC) comes in. Our mission is simple yet powerful; to engage and cultivate a vibrant arts community by welcoming emerging artists and developing equitable, multigenerational programming for the community, where learning and social impact are invited and celebrated..

At BATC, we offer a range of services aimed at fulfilling this mission. From producing thought-provoking plays and musicals to hosting educational programs and workshops, we strive to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds. We also provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents and amplify diverse voices within the theater landscape.

One of the problems we aim to solve is the lack of representation and diversity in the arts. We believe that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected onstage and that theater has the power to spark conversations and drive social change.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to community engagement and empowerment. We don’t just put on shows—we actively seek to build meaningful connections with our audience members and create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had over the past 30 years, from inspiring young artists to challenging societal norms through our productions. But what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know most is that at BATC, we’re more than just a theater—we’re a force for positive change in our community. So whether you’re looking for a memorable night out or a chance to get involved in the arts, we invite you to join us on this journey of creativity, empathy, and transformation.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Our theatre is celebrating a milestone 30 years of existence. The building that we occupy was donated to us in 2005. It was a dilapidated photography studio with run-down lofts on the second floor. We raised $1.2 million in private-sector funding and were able to get a construction loan for about $700,000. We started the renovations in 2006 and completed the renovations in 2008, just as the economy plummeted. However, we persevered. At that time, I distinctly remember attending an arts symposium by Michael Kaiser who was the President of the Kennedy Center at that time, and what he said resonated with me deeply – that was, “Sick people don’t get well by doing less, now is the time to connect with your community.” My board and I came back to the theatre and held focus group meetings. What we learned was that parents wanted somewhere for their students to be during the after-school hours, residents wanted a jazz series, and actors wanted somewhere to hone their craft. To this day, we continue to have a waiting list for our summer camp, our jazz series consistently sell out, and our banned books festival featuring local playwrights receives national attention. I’m proud to say that in 2022, we paid off our construction loan debt with the Save Our Stages legislation, and the theatre carries no debt. I have led this organization through 9/11, the 2008 economic downturn, and a global pandemic.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Firstly, theatre explores universal themes and emotions that resonate with audiences regardless of their backgrounds. Whether it’s love, loss, joy, or fear, theater allows individuals to connect with characters and stories that reflect their own experiences or offer insight into the lives of others.

Secondly, watching a live performance enables audiences to step into the shoes of characters who may be very different from themselves. This fosters empathy and understanding as viewers gain insight into the perspectives, struggles, and triumphs of people from various walks of life. By witnessing diverse narratives portrayed onstage, theatergoers are encouraged to see the world through different lenses, leading to greater compassion and tolerance.

Moreover, theater is a communal experience that brings people together in shared spaces to witness live performances. Whether it’s a small local production or a large-scale Broadway show, audiences gather to engage with the stories unfolding before them. This shared experience creates a sense of belonging and unity, fostering connections among individuals who may otherwise have little in common.

Additionally, theater has the power to spark conversations and dialogue about important social issues. By addressing complex topics such as race, gender, politics, and identity, theater encourages audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and values. These discussions not only promote critical thinking but also facilitate greater understanding and collaboration among diverse communities.

Lastly, theater celebrates diversity in all its forms, including cultural, linguistic, and artistic diversity. From traditional plays rooted in specific cultural traditions to contemporary works that challenge societal norms, theater embraces a wide range of voices and perspectives. This celebration of diversity enriches the theatrical landscape and provides opportunities for underrepresented communities to share their stories with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bishopartstheatre.org
• Instagram: bishopartstheatre
• Facebook: bishopartstheatrecenter
• Linkedin: bishopartstheatrecenter
• Youtube: bishopartstheatre

Image Credits
Jesse Horbuckle