Black Ensemble Theater
Toi Overton has a diverse work experience in the performing arts industry. Toi started their career in 1977 as a Professional Singer, working with various artists. In 1983, they joined Atlantic Records as a Professional Singer and remained with the company until 1990. In 1995, they began working at the Black Ensemble Theater, where they held multiple roles including Singer, Actor, Artist, Teacher, and Director. Toi was involved in teaching theater to students in partnership with the Educational Outreach Program and also worked on developing the cognitive skills of students with disabilities through the art of theater.
Toi Overton obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater/Communications, as well as a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Curriculum Design & Instruction, Technology, and Special Education. The degrees were earned from Roosevelt University, Chicago State University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Additionally, Toi attended Hyde Park High School for General Studies, although no specific degree was obtained from there.
Black Ensemble Theater
A local treasure, a national wonder and an international success best describe the dynamic organization that is the Black Ensemble Theater. Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater has grown from a small community arts organization to a nationally and internationally renowned strong arts institution. The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts. BE achieves its mission through productions and programs that perpetuate the history of the African American people, while reaching out to a cross-cultural audience and serving disenfranchised communities. The Black Ensemble Theater’s theatrical productions and educational outreach programs have been featured in the New York Times, The New York Post, Crain’s Chicago Business, Jet and Ebony, just to name a few. Some of our most popular productions include “The Jackie Wilson Story”, “The Other Cinderella” and “Don’t Make Me Over: In Tribute to Dionne Warwick”. Realizing that the theater is a cultural treasure, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois promote the work of the Black Ensemble Theater.