Community
Community programs extend the Apollo Theater Foundation's commitment to enhancing the life of the community and further its mission as a community resource. Through a variety of programs designed to engage children, adults, schools, families, artists and community-based organizations, community outreach activities build on the Apollo's rich history as a cultural and economic anchor to the greater Harlem community.
Apollo Uptown Hall
The Apollo Theater continues to be a gathering place and “town hall” for local community residents as well as people from all across New York City. This has been demonstrated by the huge turnout and response to events such as the Bradley-Gore presidential debate, President Obama’s election campaign and presidential election night outcome and Michael Jackson and James Brown’s passing. Uptown Hall will be a presentation that will creatively and uniquely weave video, texting and live performance to enhance and develop an interactive forum for community gathering to address key issues and topics affecting the community, the country, and the world. A critical component of the Uptown Hall project is the community partners that allow for deeper reach and development of diverse audiences. The audience will also be key to the format to encourage cross-cultural dialogue and debate and different points of view to be aired. The Uptown Hall series kicks off in Fall 2012 with the following event:
Uptown Hall: Vote Like Your Life Depends on It
September 17, 2012; 7:30 pm-9:30 pm
In partnership with BET and the Amsterdam News
The first installment of the Uptown Hall series, this unique event will be hosted by famed news correspondent, TJ Holmes, and will include a panel of guests that include TV and community luminaries, Keli Goff, Elinor Tatum, and others to be announced. The program will air live on BET.
Apollo Viewing Party!
Presidential Debate
Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 7:30pm-11pm; Free
The Apollo will host a viewing party of the 2nd Presidential Debate between President Obama and former Governor Romney, with pre-debate on- site political analysis from pundits, live entertainment from Amateur Night at the Apollo talent, and voter information.
Holidays at the Apollo
A December month-long celebration of holiday traditions and special programming to celebrate family, culture, music, comedy, and community.
Ballet Hispanico
December 1, 2012 7:30 pm
The nation’s premier Latino dance company -returns for a second year to the legendary Apollo Theater with live music by the Paquito D’Rivera Ensemble. Three company premieres put a contemporary spin on Cuba’s danzón, Argentina’s tango, and 1980s Spanish pop.
Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special with Guest Artist OMG Girlz
Saturday, December 15, 2012 – 7:30pm
Hosted by Capone
The 3rd Annual event under the Theater’s signature program, Amateur Night, showcases recent winners of the show’s “Apollo Stars of Tomorrow” category. A special show for the holidays filled with entertainment by young musicians, singers, and dancers ranging in age from 11-18.
Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 15, 2012 – 3pm-7pm
Hosted by Billy Mitchell
The Apollo and Coca-Cola are partnering to bring the magic of the Holiday season to Harlem. Under the Apollo’s iconic marquee, Coca-Cola will offer a variety of holiday-themed activities and performances free and open to the public. The festivities include picture taking with Santa Claus, giveaways and performances by some of New York City’s best choirs.
This event is free and open to the public
Sweet Honey in the Rock
December 20, 2012, 8pm
This internationally renowned all-female a cappella ensemble presents a one-of-a-kind season concert, celebrating music from many faiths and religions of the globe through stunning vocals rooted in the rich textures of African-American legacy and traditions. With American spirituals, Latin, Chinese, African and Hebrew influences, this program honors the holiday spirit from Christmas to Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Regeneration Night
Friday, December 28, 2012, 7:30pm
The Apollo Theater celebrates Kwanzaa with its popular annual show, featuring the
renowned New York-based dance company Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance
Theatre, guest performances by the Songhai Djeli and Flute Visions and Queen
GodIs and members of the Harlem Children’s Zone/Forces of Nature’s Youth Academy. Since 2006, the Apollo has established an annual show to celebrate this holiday tradition on one day of the Kwanzaa holiday. The Apollo’s celebration is a joyful evening of dance and music honoring the principles of Kwanzaa—family, community, and culture. Hosted by radio personality Imhotep Gary Byrd.
Annual Open House
Apollo Open House
February 8-10, 2013
In celebration of African-American History Month, the Apollo Theater will open its doors for a FREE weekend to give visitors a glimpse into our rich history with a sneak preview of our future activities. Open House Weekend will feature displays of Apollo memorabilia, live performances from past winners of the Apollo’s signature series, Amateur Night, family workshops, and multi-media presentations on Apollo Theater history, among a host of other activities.
These free weekends at the Apollo give patrons “an onstage pass” to the landmark venue and include: self-guided tour and explorations of the Theater and its history; film screenings; performances; cultural fair and information booths with cultural and community partners.
Ticket Subsidy Programs
The Apollo offers free-of-charge tickets each year for the wide spectrum of Apollo-produced performances, including Amateur Night at the Apollo, the Salon Series, Kwanzaa Celebration, and other family-oriented programming.
Community programs extend the Apollo Theater Foundation's commitment to enhancing the life of the community and further its mission as a community resource. Through a variety of programs designed to engage children, adults, schools, families, artists and community-based organizations, community outreach activities build on the Apollo's rich history as a cultural and economic anchor to the greater Harlem community.
Support of Community Programs
The Apollo Theater is grateful to the following whose major support helps make possible our Community Programs:
The Coca-Cola Company.
Additional support is provided by The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, Macy’s, The Neuberger Berman Foundation, The Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation and Target.
Lead annual support is also provided by public funds from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone; with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Art; New York City Theater Subdistrict Council; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Council Member Inez E. Dickens, and Speaker Christine Quinn; the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council; New York State funding from Senator Bill Perkins, Assemblyman Keith L.T Wright, and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and the New York State Council for the Arts.
