Mecca Stage: A Spotlight on Howard University’s Theatre Legacy

Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts takes center stage in the powerful short film The Mecca’s Stage, created as part of HBCU Week NOW. The 13-minute feature shines a light on the Department of Theatre Arts and its role in preserving, evolving, and celebrating Black theatrical traditions.

More than just a look behind the curtain,The Mecca Stage is a heartfelt portrait of a community where storytelling, history, and innovation meet. It reveals the process of rehearsal and production, showing the teamwork, craft, and dedication that bring stories to life while also embraces Howard University’s identity as “The Mecca,” a cultural and artistic home where Black excellence is nurtured, honored, and shared. The short ties the historic legacy of Black theatre to the fresh energy of today’s performers, positioning Howard as both a steward of tradition and a hub of innovation.

As Washington, D.C.’s HBCU station, WHUT is proud to share stories that reflect Black excellence, history, and creativity. The Mecca’s Stage is a celebration of art as activism, education, and legacy—a story that resonates far beyond the stage.

This short film is not only a window into Howard’s Theatre Arts Department but also a reminder of the power of art to shape communities, preserve history, and imagine new futures.