The Front Porch Arts Collective
The Front Porch Arts Collective is a Black theatre company committed to advancing racial equity in Boston through theatre. Now in residence with The Huntington, The Front Porch Arts Collective seeks to create a place where perspectives and experiences of Black people are no longer novelty, but an integral part of the global conversation, and to build programs that make the entire theatrical landscape more reflect the diversity of the city. By creating an atmosphere where people see the world through differing experiences, we hope to foster greater understanding of the human condition that ultimately contributes to tolerance and empathy in our world. Our namesake signifies a communal spirit, inspiring us to serve communities of color and produce art that is inclusive of all communities and welcoming to all audiences, to inspire a more tolerant and inclusive Boston. Our core values are cultural inclusion, community advancement; and impactful legacy.
To learn more about The Porch visit frontporcharts.org.
About the Front Porch Arts Collective/Huntington Partnership
The Front Porch Arts Collective is currently in residence at The Huntington as part of a multi-year strategic partnership. The two companies provide each other with mutually beneficial support and services, as well as opportunities for multidirectional learning and growth.
The Porch leadership team – Co-Producing Artistic Directors Dawn M. Simmons and Maurice Emmanuel Parent, and Education Director Pascale Florestal – are embedded in The Huntington’s administrative offices, serving as part of The Huntington’s staff and providing an important voice in Huntington initiatives and artistic decision making, enhancing The Huntington’s ability to produce shows featuring Black voices with greater depth and authenticity. This partnership will also give The Porch the opportunity to build capacity, skills, and infrastructure to emerge as a stronger, more independent organization.
In addition to the leadership and staff of both companies being longstanding colleagues with deep connections and relationships, The Huntington and The Porch share a number of core values: a commitment to presenting a wide range of narratives and perspectives from artists of color and to being anti-racist organizations, a desire to foster opportunities for BIPOC theatre artists and arts professionals, and dedication to making Boston theatre welcoming and inclusive to all audiences.
Upcoming Productions
Queens Girl in the World
by Caleen Sinnette Jennings
Directed by Dawn M. Simmons
Starring Jasmine M. Rush
September 30 – October 31, 2021
Co-produced by The Nora@Central Square Theater, The Front Porch Arts Collective, and The Hangar Theater
Ain’t Misbehavin’ – The Fats Waller Musical
Co-conceived by Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz
Musical Adaptations, Orchestrations & Arrangements by Luther Henderson
Directed by Maurice Emmanuel Parent
April 28 – May 29, 2022
Co-produced by The Nora@Central Square Theater, The Front Porch Arts Collective, and Greater Boston Stage Company