Categories: Articles, Audrey Bernard,
Building The Change (BTC) was formed to eliminate racial inequities in American Theatre. On Monday evening, March 9, 2026, BTC hosted its annual glam gala at The Rainbow Room, 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, at Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, with sweeping views of New York’s enviable skyline. This event celebrated entertainment professionals working in theater, film, television, cultural institutions, and music.
As luminaries arrived at the VIP red carpet cocktail reception sponsored by Creative Artists Agency, they enjoyed special cocktails and champagne before being escorted to their seats in the magnificent ballroom, replete with elaborate table settings and beautiful floral arrangements. Once seated, guests enjoyed a lavish dinner and delectable dessert. Fine wines were served throughout dinner.
From the stage, BTC Board Chair & Co-Founder Reggie Van Lee, welcomed black-tie guests and introduced his impressive Board Members: Warren Adams, Artistic Director and Co-Founder; T. Oliver Reid, Artistic Director and Co-Founder; and Founding Members Naila McKenzie and Aaliytha Stevens. The nattily dressed members set the tone for an enchanting evening.
During the program guests enjoyed a video by leading sponsor, AARP, alongside videos from BTC’s partnership with Broadway Across America, and BTC’s current fellows Lacey Hardy and Rojanna Handy, followed by BTC’s award presentations to four phenomenal persons followed by their inspiring remarks.
The Visionary Ally Award was presented to Thomas Schumacher, for setting standards of excellence in film, television, and theatre for over three decades, by Colleen Jennings-Roggensack.
The Chadwick Boseman Change Maker Award was presented to Academy Award-nominated actor, producer, and entrepreneur Taraji P. Henson, who is set to make her Broadway debut this spring alongside Cedric the Entertainer in the Debbie Allen-directed Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, by Brian Moreland and Kevin Boseman.
The Lynn Nottage Bold Beacon Award, named for the first woman in history to win two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama, honoring a trailblazing career as an actress and producer, was presented to Jessica Matten by Naila McKenzie-Ross.
The Poitier-Belafonte Award for Cultural Activism, named for two legendary actors and activists Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, who changed not only the film industry but the world’s perception of Black people, was presented to Television writer/producer, author, and arts advocate, Susan Fales-Hill, by activist David Belafonte.
Throughout the evening guests were treated to soulful, showstopping performances by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Siedah Garret, Tony-nominee Christopher Jackson, Morgan James Britton & The Sting, and Khaila Wilcoxon.
BTC was founded by T. Oliver Reid, Warren Adams, and Reggie Van Lee in 2019 with a mission to eliminating the “illusion of inclusion” in the American Theatre by removing barriers to access for those who have been historically marginalized and building a sustainable, ethical roadmap that will increase opportunities for the next generation of emerging talent.
BTC works to expand opportunities for underrepresented professionals in theatre and the arts. Each fellow in the cohort has the opportunity to immerse themselves in their area of the industry, working alongside current industry leaders at the highest levels, learning the process of theater making from the executive, creative, and administrative areas.
Since 2020, BTC has: Placed 126 diverse individuals, out of 2000 applicants, in Fellowships and Apprenticeships with leading Broadway productions and arts organizations. Approximately 25% of fellows and apprentices have been hired within the industry post fellowship/apprenticeship. Provided career placements in major media and production companies. Created apprenticeships and observation opportunities for HBCU graduates nationwide. Increased Broadway general managers from underrepresented groups by 1,200%, with over $1.5 million paid to emerging professionals.
Actor Colman Domingo served as Honorary Chair, and Kaliswa Brewster and Matthew Johnson Harris served as co-directors. AARP was the presenting sponsor and ASL Interpreter was provided by Brandon Kazen-Maddox. The evening ended with parting words from Board Members Adams and Reid followed by a swellegant party for the honorees in the VIP room. The epic evening was produced by Dwight Johnson, djohnson@dwightjohnsondesign.com. Images captured by Shawn Punch on behalf of BTC.
