Indy’s Onyx Fest 2022 reports record-breaking ticket sales

Indianapolis, Indiana – The 12-year-old “Onyx Fest Indy” reports its most prosperous season. The Onyx Fest Fall 2022 will feature compelling plays by black Hoosier playwrights who deal with contemporary concerns on stage.

The success of exhibiting black stories on stage may be attributed to a number of writers, actors, and artists. In November 2022, the Africana Repertory Theater at IUPUI performed the event over the course of six plays.

It was claimed in January that Onyx Fest generated ticket sales of more than $14,000. Additionally, compared to 2021, its attendance climbed by 63%. In addition, 1,164 individuals attended the plays, and three of the performances were sold out. A number of local actors were also able to be hired by the event.

According to Vernon William, the executive director of the festival, the outcomes serve as a reminder of the necessity for a forum for the sharing of black tales in our community. “It is simply satisfying to realize that it surpasses even high expectations. It was especially satisfying to have sold-out crowds and observe ticket sales in the manner they did, said Williams.

According to Williams, some well-liked shows have been “You love will be judged” by Gabrielle Patterson and “Black is my color” by Celeste Williams. Williams stated that “both of them produced extremely good performances to the stage.” He continued, “Your Love will be judged” and will be shown during the 2023 Indianapolis Fringe Festival.

Playwright entries for the November 2023 Onyx Fest are now being accepted by the festival. Unproduced one-act plays that last 45–60 minutes must be submitted. The plot must be deeply rooted in black culture or have significant black characters. Additionally, the playwright must be a native of the state and the Greater Indianapolis region.

The Butler University Entertainment and Arts Center platform will host all of the productions from the organization’s winter 2022 season.