MEDIA ADVISORY -- The Ensemble Theatre Mortgage-Burning Ceremony

Theatre Celebrates Building Ownership and Namesake METRORail Stop

HOUSTON, Dec. 31, 2003 --

 WHEN:    Thursday, January 1, 2004 from 3:30 P.M. until 4:30 P.M.
          METRORail festivities will be held from 1 P.M. until
          4:30 P.M

 WHERE:   3535 Main Street (corner of Main and Berry Street) on the
          George Hawkins Main Stage

 WHO:     Reverend William A. Lawson, Mayor Lee P. Brown, Board
          President Argentina M. James, State Representative Garnet
          Coleman, Houston Endowment Board Member Anthony Hall, Hanq
          Neal, Ensemble Theatre Board Members, Guild Members,
          artists, subscribers, financial supporters.

 WHY:     The namesake METRORail stop and the retirement of the
          theatre's capital campaign debt are two historic milestones
          for the theatre. This accomplishment establishes The
          Ensemble Theatre as one of the largest African American
          theatres in the nation that owns, operates, and produces in
          house. Now that the theatre fully owns its building, it, in a
          sense, holds its own destiny.  The theatre will be afforded
          the foundation necessary for its continued development as a
          world-class institution.  Rev. William A. Lawson, pastor of
          Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, will preside over the
          mortgage-burning ceremony. The mortgage-burning ceremony
          will serve as a symbolic occasion and proud moment in the
          history of theatre.  Board of Directors will announce the
          naming of the grand foyer and the Green Room.

 AUDIO/VISUALS:

          -- 1 P.M. until 3:30 P.M. Performances by Ensemble Theatre
             Tour Education Performers, A Colorful 27 Year Ensemble
             Theatre Retrospective Museum and Houston Community
             College Student Performances
          -- 3:25 P.M. Mortgage-Burning Ceremony Processional to
             George Hawkins Mainstage
          -- 3:50 P.M. Mayor Lee P. Brown Proclaim Ownership
          -- 4:00 P.M. Excerpt of Mississippi Delta- In tradition: A
             Permit to Parade
          -- 4:20 P.M. Mortgage Burning
          -- 4:30 Unveiling of Grand Foyer and Green Room Naming


 CONTACT: Andrea Barefield, Media Coordinator
          Office: (713) 520-0055 ext. 316

          Janette Cosley, Executive Director
          Office: (713) 520-0055 ext. 311

The Ensemble Theatre

Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre is one of the oldest and most distinguished professional theaters in the southwestern U.S. devoted to the African America experience. The mission of The Ensemble Theatre is to preserve African American Artistic Expression; to enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community. From its humble beginnings as a touring company, The Ensemble now presents a full season of classic and contemporary African American works by local and national playwrights and artist. In addition, The Ensemble provides touring and in-house performances for young audiences, community outreach, and training for young artist through The Young Performers Program. The Ensemble, one of the few African American theaters in the country to own and operate its own facility, boast a main stage auditorium with seating for 200, an arena stage that seats 125, and a grand performance hall that accommodates 500 people.