Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

History & Mission

Founded in 1979, under the name of the Foster Community Theatre, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre has been thrilling audiences with over three decades of unique, inspirational and invigorating African American and African Diaspora-centered storytelling. From original plays to the best of Broadway, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre remained committed to supplying the very best in theatre"Umoja!! ….Working Together in Unity"is the foundation from which FJT began and continues to thrive!

It is our mission to present powerful, thought-provoking, community-centered Theater Arts programming with a commitment to diversity and creative excellence. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and creative environment for directors, playwrights, set, light, and costume designers, as well as for experienced and novice performers. In this positive environment, they can develop their skills and fully express their talents.

The Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre is funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, A State Agency.

Newsletter

Signup for The Fourth Wall, our monthly newsletter and stay up to date with the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. For more information, please call 847-866-5914 or 311 (847-448-4311 outside Evanston). 

2026 Season

Gee’s Bend

By Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder

May 23 - June 7

Gee's Bend depicts the turbulent history of African Americans in the 20th century by focusing on a single family in the real community of Gee's Bend, Alabama, which is now famous for the beautiful quilts created by the women who grew up there. Gospel songs weave in and out of this hauntingly beautiful work. It's a deeply personal story of family, self-discovery, and artistic expression.

3rd Annual Gloria Bond Clunie Playwright’s Festival 2026

July 18 & 19

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre is thrilled to announce the third annual Gloria Bond Clunie Playwright’s Festival, honoring the incredible career and legacy of Gloria Bond Clunie, founder of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, and offering young, talented playwrights the opportunity to have their new works showcased.

The festival weekend will include stage readings of three new plays in development and an opportunity for the public to attend an informative post-reading talkback and meet the three talented up-and-coming playwrights.

In the Continuum

By Danai Gurira & Nikkole Salter

July 25 – Aug 9

In the Continuum puts a human face on the devastating impact of AIDS in Africa and America through the lives of two unforgettably courageous women. Living worlds apart, one in South Central LA and the other in Zimbabwe, each experiences a kaleidoscopic weekend of life-changing revelations in this story of parallel denials and self-discoveries. In the Continuum was a nominee for the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The Niceties

By Eleanor Burgess

Oct 31 – Nov 15

Zoe, a Black student at an elite university in the Northeast, is called into her white professor’s office to discuss her paper about slavery’s effect on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into an urgent debate about race, history, and power.

For A Limited Time 2026 Premium Gold Cards Are Only $90!

We are pleased to offer the Premium Gold Card at the discounted rate of $90, providing a total savings of $75.

As a Premium Gold Member, you will receive the following benefits:

• Priority RSVP admission to three plays.
• Full access to the Gloria Bond Clunie Playwright's Festival.
• One complimentary Bonus Seat to be included with any one reservation.
• Exclusive special offers throughout the 2026 season.
  
  Discount ends soon. Purchase your card today!

Fleetwood Jourdain Celebrates Black History 24/7/365:

Accessibility Statement

The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a City-wide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919 to make an ADA service request or fill out a request form online.