MEDIA ADVISORY -- Touchdown for The Ensemble Theatre!!

NFL Makes $10,000 Donation Presentation at Opening Night

HOUSTON, Jan. 28, 2004 --

 WHEN:   Thursday, January 29, 2004, 6:00 PM During Opening Night
         reception.
         "From the Mississippi Delta" begins at 7:30 PM - No late
         seating.

 WHERE:  3535 Main Street (corner of Main and Berry Street) in the
         Grand Foyer.

 WHO:    Derrick Crawford, attorney for the NFL, Argentina M. James,
         Janette L. Cosley, Ensemble Theatre Board Members, Guild
         Members, Staff, Artists, Subscribers, and Financial
         Supporters.

 WHY:    As a part of Super Bowl XXXVIII, the NFL organization
         Selected The Ensemble to receive $10,000 from the NFL
         Charities!  NFL Charities stated that The Ensemble was
         considered a premier African American organization in the
         city worthy of receiving a general operating grant.  Derrick
         Crawford, of the NFL, will present the check at our opening
         night for "From the Mississippi Delta," January 29, 2004.

         The Ensemble Theatre is pleased to announce the unveiling of
         the naming of our Foyer and Green Room.  The two rooms were
         named for persons integral to the continued greatness of The
         Ensemble Theatre.

         "From the Mississippi Delta," by Dr. Endesha I.M. Holland,
         runs January 29th thru February 22nd, presented in the
         George Hawkins Mainstage, The Ensemble Theatre-3535 Main
         Street.  "From the Mississippi Delta" is a brilliant
         treatise of the power of place, self-discovery, self-love,
         and the infinite possibilities of transformation-for a young
         woman-for us all.

 AUDIO/VISUALS:
         -- 6:30 PM  - Presentation of $10,000 check from the NFL
            Charities by Derrick Crawford, attorney for the National
            Football League
         -- 6:45 PM - Unveiling of the naming of the Foyer and Green
            Room

 CONTACT:   Andrea Barefield, Media Coordinator (713) 520-0055
            Ext. 316
            Janette Cosley, Executive Director (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 artists 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.