Founded in July 2016 by LA artists Brittany Batchelder and Kelli Rasmus, M.P.A.C.T’s goal is to bring southern hospitality to each artistic experience they curate. The Plan A Short Film Showcase highlighted the work of Black women storytellers and provides production grants for ongoing development work, empowering Black women filmmakers.

Founded in July 2016 by LA artists Brittany Batchelder and Kelli Rasmus, M.P.A.C.T’s goal is to bring southern hospitality to each artistic experience they curate. The Plan A Short Film Showcase highlighted the work of Black women storytellers and provides production grants for ongoing development work, empowering Black women filmmakers.

In partnership with TBS, The Last OG was screened at WACO Theater Center. Opening its second season on April 2,  “The Black Excellence Brunch” honored cast, writers and directors from the show.Featured Artist(s): Those in attendance included actress Bresha Webb (Marlon), actress Taylor Mosby who portrays Amina on The Last OG,  Beyonce’s lead dancer, Ashley […]

WACO Theater Center presented our first virtual fundraising celebration! It was a night not to be missed, including live performances, an online virtual silent art auction, celebrity corny joke highlights and more.  Featured Artist(s): Angela Bassett, Beyoncé Knowles Carter, Bianca Lawson, Blue Ivy Carter, Boris Kodjoe, Cynthia Erivo, Earl Washington, Gabrielle Union, Glynn Turman, Julez […]

Featured Artist(s):  A-Game, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Carvin Haggins, Cicley Gay, Clay Dub, CRSBLK, Dr. Michelle Flowers-Taylor, Emily Amador, Gideon Nhyiraba, Jordan White, Jules Horowitz, LaJoy, Lamont, Lauryn Nichole, LindoYes, Lyrical Faith, Mckenzie Franklin, Mintah, Nia Miranda, Quentin Williams, Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D., Tiffanie Anderson, Ronni Marsalis, Sarah Rose, Terrence Terrell, TstarNay, Tyler Clark  Watch the full performance […]

This virtual presentation of “The Evolution of African Dance” explored specific dance moves from their origins in Africa and connected them to their cultural prominence and significance in the United States and throughout the African Diaspora.  Featured Artist(s): Chloé and Maud Arnold, Dr. Michelle Flowers-Taylor,  Jade Solomon Curtis, Lula Washington, Professor Moncell Durden, Titus Fotso, […]

WACO Theater Center in Association with Richard Lawson Studios Presented: Films For Teens By Teens Inaugural Film Festival. This festival showcased student films created as a tool for self-expression, communication, and mental health awareness. These impactful works elevate and empower young voices through the full filmmaking process.  Featured Artist(s): Participants of Tina’s Angels and Richard’s […]

ONLINE EVENT Hosted by WACO Theater Center Artistic Director Tina Knowles Lawson, in partnership with Newark Symphony Hall and Yendor Theatre Company, Revolutionary Black Women, is a virtual salon centering the role Black women play in movements of revolution. With never before seen clips from the film adaptation of Black Terror, written by Richard Wesley, […]

In partnership with the Los Angeles Black Creators Collective, we present five new and dynamic works by five of LA's finest Black writers for the inaugural Playwrights Festival. This program is brought to you by a generous donation from The Black Seed Fund. April 1 | 8:00 PM PT Bridging the Gap by LaDarrion Williams […]

ONLINE EVENT A bi-coastal conversation with Black Terror playwright Richard Wesley, and film Director Richard Lawson. Longtime creative collaborators, Richard Lawson and Richard Wesley reminisce on the Black Arts Movement, Black Power Movement and the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Drama Desk award winning play Black Terror, set to premier on screen in […]

In partnership with the Pan African Film Festival, we hosted a Black Terror preview and panel conversation. Guests watched the trailer and behind the scenes documentary of the film adaptation “Black Terror” written by Richard Wesley. The panel featured WACO co-Artistic Directors Richard Lawson, Tina Knowles Lawson and guests.    In “Black Terror”, a group […]