Seton Hill Arts and Community Association

ARENA PLAYERS INCORPORATED

THE OLDEST AFRICAN AMERICAN THEATER IN THE COUNTRY

Arena Players Incorporated was founded in 1952.  It established its first theater on the Campus of Coppin State College, now Coppin State University.  It is the oldest continually running African American theater in the country.  Arena, located at 801 McCulloh Street in Baltimore, MD continues to serve as a cultural anchor in the Baltimore Metropolitan area.  Arena Players Inc. is also recognized nationally, and internationally for its longevity and broad community-based support.  The institution continues to fostered new generations of competent African American theatre practitioners, and through the years it has also garnered unwavering support from its patrons. Arena's mission includes illuminating the African American experience through the performing arts, developing new and young artists and pursuing cross cultural initiatives through outreach and collaboration.

This dedicated, volunteer based organization has provided a recreational outlet for most of its membership, a vocational training ground, and showcase for those who have chosen to pursue the theatrical arts as a profession. Arena Players Incorporated develops actors, performers, technicians, sound set, light, and costume designers, front of house and backstage workers every season.  Workshops are held during the summer to prepare the directors for the forthcoming season.