An American classic, a banned books festival, and a family-friendly world premiere headline the 32nd anniversary season at Bishop Arts Theatre Center in Dallas.

Founded in 1993, Bishop Arts Theatre Center is an award-winning, multicultural, multidisciplinary arts institution based in Dallas. This eclectic lineup reflects the company’s enduring commitment to cultivating local artists, celebrating cultural traditions, and sparking urgent conversations.

“For more than three decades, Bishop Arts Theatre Center has stood at the intersection of community and creativity,” says executive artistic director Teresa Coleman Wash. “This season continues that legacy with stories that are both deeply personal and profoundly universal. From August Wilson’s searing portrait of redemption, to the joyous celebration of Black Nativity, to a bold festival challenging censorship, and a family-friendly world premiere by a Dallas artist, this is a season of firsts that reflects our city’s resilience and imagination."

October 9-26: The season begins with August Wilson's King Hedley II, directed by Jemal McNeil in a co-production with Soul Rep Theatre.

Part of Wilson’s legendary American Century Cycle, this gripping drama is set in 1980s Pittsburgh and follows an ex-convict fighting to rebuild his life against the crushing weight of systemic injustice.

“August Wilson is a giant in the American theater, and it has always been our goal to produce his work,”says Guinea Bennett-Price, co-founder and co-artistic director of Soul Rep Theatre. “We are grateful to the Parrish Charitable Foundation for making this vision a reality, and thrilled to share this collaboration with Bishop Arts Theatre Center.”

December 4-21: A cornerstone of Dallas holiday traditions returns next: Black Nativity. Inspired by Langston Hughes’s groundbreaking 1960 Broadway production, this version is written and directed by Calvin J. Walker, with music direction by Steven A. Taylor.

Through partnerships with local high schools, including Sunset, Molina, and Adamson, this year’s production deepens the tradition by welcoming first-time actors and youth participants into the cast.

“I’m honored to reimagine this timeless work,” says Walker. “My prayer is that audiences of all ages experience joy, connection, and inspiration this holiday season.”

February 19-March 8, 2026: In an era of rising censorship, Bishop Arts Theatre Center reaffirms its commitment to amplifying silenced voices with its annual Banned Books Festival. Inspired by Ijeoma Oluo’s acclaimed So You Want to Talk About Race, six playwrights will create original works responding to the book’s urgent themes of race, identity, and justice.

The festival extends beyond the stage with talkbacks and roundtables, including a special conversation with Oluo herself. Together with The Writer’s Garret and director Charles Jackson Jr., the festival invites audiences into a deeper dialogue about the power of art, literature, and free expression.

“As censorship attempts continue, it’s our responsibility to defend free speech,” says Aaron Glover, executive director of The Writer’s Garret. “The arts remain one of the most powerful tools to connect, uplift, and challenge us. We are proud to co-present this festival with Bishop Arts Theatre Center.”

September 10-20, 2026: The season closes with Portalgraphs, a magical new musical directed and with book by Justin Cavazos, and original music by Dustin and Justin Cavazos.

It follows a spirited grandmother and her sassy granddaughter who stumble into a photo album that becomes a time machine. What begins as a whimsical journey through memories evolves into a moving story about love, legacy, and living in the moment. By engaging students from BATC’s Summer STEAM Camp and after-school programs, the production also welcomes local youth and first-time actors, building bridges between generations while nurturing the next wave of storytellers.

“This is a fun show for the whole family,” says writer/director Justin Cavazos. “The songs are catchy, the jokes land for all ages, and the story will touch your heart.”

All performances will be held at Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 S. Tyler Street in Dallas.

Tickets are available online or by calling 214-948-0716. Seniors, students, and groups of 15-plus are eligible for discounts.