Players' Paradise

The world of drama is largely dominated by white actors, directors, scriptwriters and producers. But every two years, African Americans reign supreme at the biannual National Black Theatre Festival, a week of plays, readings, seminars and celebrity schmooze in Winston-Salem, N.C., home of Wake Forest University. "You wake up to theater and go to sleep with it," says New York City actress and director Barbara Montgomery. "It's a joy." Over the years the festival has drawn its share of the famous, from Denzel Washington and Cicely Tyson to Danny Glover and Angela Bassett, but it's also a showcase for new talent and a venue for sidewalk stands selling Afrocentric garb, paintings and crafts. Though the spotlight is on African-American theater, the festival has appeal for anyone who is passionate about drama.

This summer's festival, which runs from July 30 to Aug. 4, features more than 90 performances of 20 productions. Highlights include The Jackie Wilson Story, a new musical based on the life of the soul singer performed by the Black Ensemble Theatre of Chicago, and The Dance on Widows Row, a new comedy by Samm-Art Williams performed by the New Federal Theatre of New York. Tickets ($15-$35) go on sale the last week of May. If you plan to attend, it is wise to book hotel rooms early, since they fill up fast.