Apollo Theater

What happens when who you are can’t fit in a single box? When your skin doesn’t match other people’s expectations of your heritage, or when the communities you love aren’t sure they claim you back? “I am Black, Native American, and French Creole of Color. Did you get all that just from looking at me?” — @maryob711 Black Gumbo is a story that starts there. It follows Mary Olivette Bookman, Mobile, Alabama-raised, New York-forged, racially ambiguous for her whole life . As she works through a deceptively simple school assignment: present your culture to the class. What unfolds is an honest, joyful, and deeply human reckoning with what it means to hold multiple identities at once, and to eventually stop asking permission to celebrate all of them. ‍ For students who have ever been asked “but what are you, really?” and for those who’ve never had to answer that question at all, Black Gumbo offers a rare thing: a stage that says all of it counts, and all of it belongs here. Link in bio.

Calling all artists in Harlem‼️Enter @apollotheater ’s Breaking Ground Art Contest and imagine boldly: Why has The Apollo always been where Black artists needed to be, and why does it still matter now? Winning works will live permanently inside our newly reimagined spaces, from the lobby to the café. For 92 years, we have been sacred ground for Black artists, where legends are born and culture shifts the world. Now, as we break ground on a historic renovation and reemerge as the nation’s largest Black performing arts center, we’re calling on the next generation to help shape what comes next. This is your chance to leave your mark where legends are made. See full prompt and submission requirements at the link in bio. Submissions open March 2nd for Harlem students grade 1-12.

This season @apolloedharlem School Day Live invites students to experience stories where music, history, and Black girl brilliance take over The Apollo Stages at The Victoria‼️ The Story of Florence Mills by Renée Watson, an electro-acoustic journey presented by sound scientist and imaginationist @fraefraedrum , celebrates the legacy of the 1920s Broadway star whose light, birdlike voice captivated audiences and whose courage uplifted a generation. Born to formerly enslaved parents, Florence used her platform to advocate for justice, equality, and opportunity for Black artists, proving that art is power. The Girl Who Heard the Universe follows Zuri, a brilliant young sound scientist composing melodies from waves, vibrations, and stardust. Blending music, imagination, and discovery, this story honors the beauty of Black girl magic and reminds us that every sound has the power to shift the universe. Educators, give your students a field trip that’s rooted in culture and artistry. Link in bio to register and learn more about Apollo Education programs.

In November, @apolloedharlem and @eagleharlemeah launched their Stories to Stage classroom residency, inspired by Hang Time by Zora Howard, which premiered at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria last year. Over several weeks, 11th and 12th grade students explored the play’s themes—Black masculinity, memory, emotional vulnerability, and systemic violence—through interactive exercises, open discussions, and a collaborative project that invited them to reflect on what masculinity means to them. The project culminated in a documentary film where 11th graders interviewed 12th graders about their relationship to manhood and their visions of healthy masculinity. We are so proud of these students’ dedication, vulnerability, and hard work! #eagleacademyfoundation #apolloeducation

Meet Apollo Apprentice: Emily Matos (@honeybadger.o )! “My work as both a visual artist and theater maker centers around Black & Indigenious stories and modes of storytelling…For me, #TheApollo is like the center of the universe…This was the place you go when you make it, so being an Apollo Apprentice was a no brainer for me.” The Apollo is more than a stage. Through the @apolloedharlem Apprenticeship Program, we pave the way for the next generation of creatives, storytellers, and visionaries. The program gives college students and young adults 18 months of hands-on training on how to produce events at The Apollo and turn their dreams into careers in live entertainment. Congrats to the 2025-2026 cohort who successfully completed their year! Learn more about Apollo Education programs. Link in bio.

“Fear doesn’t change a society, hope does.” – MLK Young Changemakers: TL;DR @apolloedharlem #MLKYoungChangemakers, curated by Apollo Apprentices @kamaunosakhere , @zoezifer , and @honeybadger.o , was a powerful nod to what’s possible when young people are given space to speak and listen‼️ Hosted by Derry Oliver (@itsde.rryyy ), the conversation honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by highlighting education, the importance of media credibility, and activism through the voices of young leaders navigating today’s world in real time. From filmmakers to future journalists to current policymakers and creatives still figuring it out, the panel featuring Ramatou “Rama” Touré, Zoe George (@999_zoe_999 ), Daniella Ivanir, Emily Muniz, Trinity White (@joyimaginations ), and Alexandra Barahona (@itzalex.b ) brought a level of purpose, insight, and confidence far beyond their years. What made the experience memorable was how interactive it felt. The audience and panelists moved through live moments analyzing AI generated contents, comparing news coverage across platforms, and talking back about why fact checking matters more than ever . The room was locked in from the start to finish.

A new year brings a new crew of @apolloedharlem MLK Young Changemakers stepping into the spotlight on Monday, January 19th‼️ In honor of MLK’s legacy and the National Youth Day of Service, this year’s program centers on his belief in education, and how knowledge shapes informed, engaged communities today. MLK Young Changemakers: TL;DR looks at how young leaders are navigating media literacy, pushing back on misinformation, and using what they know to create real change. Hosted by Derry Oliver (@itsde.rryyy ) who brings the conversation full circle with a group of powerful young voices including: Ramatou “Rama” Touré Zoe George (@999_zoe_999 ) Daniella Ivanir Emily Muniz Trinity White (@joyimaginations ) Alex Barahona (@itzalex.b ) Through thought leadership, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, #MLKYoungChangemakers creates space for young people to lead, learn, and imagine what’s possible, curated by #TheApollo Apprentices. Link in bio to be part of the conversation.

January at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria opens its doors for two powerful gatherings that honor Dr. King’s legacy‼️ Jan 18: MLK Uptown Hall: The Pan-Africanist — Restitution & Reconciliation in a Global State of Emergency In partnership with @wnyc , we mark 20 years of truth-telling and transformation linking Dr. King’s 1957 journey to Ghana with today’s global fight for justice. Through conversation, performance, and reflection, we connect the past to the present. A post-show nationwide broadcast will be available on The Apollo’s YouTube channel the next day. Jan 19: MLK Young Changemakers: TL;DR Curated by @apolloedharlem ’s Apprentices, this dynamic conversation centers young leaders using education, media literacy, and digital power to serve their communities and disrupt misinformation. Link in bio, limited seating available.

Meet Apollo Apprentice: [@kamaunosakhere ]! “I am a storyteller. Mainly through acting and writing, but I’m also a director, producer, and educator…My artistic purpose is my passion for education and the reason why education is important. Whether it’s for children, or teens, or adults, the education that they’re presenting to you is in a package that makes you want to engage in it and then send that forward.” The Apollo is more than a stage. Through the Apollo Apprenticeship Program, we pave the way for the next generation of creatives, storytellers, and visionaries. The program gives college students and young adults 18 months of hands-on training on how to produce events at The Apollo and turn their dreams into careers in live entertainment. Learn more about @apolloedharlem programs. Link in bio.

What does freedom look like onstage? Discover #FindingNorth, a powerful one-man performance honoring one of the Underground Railroad’s unsung heroes, John P. Parker. @imdanielcarlton and @davidgonzalezstories recount stories of fearless resistance in this performance and feature narratives of immigrants and non-immigrants searching for home, safety, and freedom in modern-day America. Presented by @apolloedharlem , this School Day Live experience invites students (grades 4+) to witness history brought to life. There are still spots left for the Thursday performance! Educators check out the link in bio to find your North Star next week at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. 💫

Meet Apollo Apprentice: @zoezifer ‼️ “My artistic purpose is to create intersectional art that’s inspired by my lived culture and rooted culture.” The Apollo is more than a stage. Through the Apollo Apprenticeship Program, we pave the way for the next generation of creatives, storytellers, and visionaries. The program gives college students and young adults 18-months of training on how to produce events at The Apollo, and transform their dreams into careers in live entertainment. Learn more about @apolloedharlem programs.

Calling all educators! @apolloedharlem ’s School Workshops & Residencies bring the magic of Harlem’s culture, history, & artistry straight into the classroom. Students in grades K through 12 can explore music, movement, and storytelling in unforgettable ways this school year! Current Workshops & Residencies include: 🎶 Journey Through Song Lyrics Across Time: Students explore how lyrics reflect history & write their own to connect past to present. 🥁 Rhythm Exploration: Hands-on dive into rhythm as storytelling, culture, & creativity. 🌍 Afro-Brazilian Rattle Making: Students craft traditional caxixi rattles & discover their African and Brazilian roots. 🎭 Theater: Build expression through gesture, improvisation, & performance techniques. 🕺🏾Hip-Hop Dance: Trace Hip-Hop’s party dance origins while moving to the grooves of the 80s & 90s. 💃🏾 Historic Social Dances of Harlem: Step into Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom to learn the Lindy Hop, Shorty George, & more. 👏🏾 Clap & Stomp: Discover the energy & history of step dance through rhythm, teamwork, & tradition. 👞 Tap Into Rhythm: Experience the evolution of tap from the Harlem Renaissance to today. 📚Oral History Program: Students capture first-hand stories & transform them into creative presentations. ✍🏾 Meaningful Monologues: Young playwrights craft original monologues to bring new voices and characters to life. 🪢 Jump, Jump, Jump! Progress Through Play: Celebrate Double Dutch as both art & tradition. 🔗 Link in bio to learn how to get involved.