FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
JONELLE PROCOPE

September 2021

It’s hard to believe summer is coming to an end, but what a summer it has been. We were honored that the City chose the Apollo to host a concert as part of New York’s homecoming celebration last month. Featuring Nona Hendryx, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, the Nat Adderley Jr. Quintet, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre Company, and the cast of Broadway’s Ain’t Too Proud, among others, the evening provided a welcome opportunity to help revive our community and celebrate the reopening of arts and culture in New York City.

As we reopen our doors, we believe we are entering a new renaissance that will revive the cultural creativity that was curtailed over the past 19 months. That’s why we are thrilled to launch our fall season, “The Renaissance is Now!” It serves as a reminder that the Apollo has long been a hub of Black creativity, cultural expression, and artistry in Harlem. This fall we will inspire audiences both in the historic theater and on the Apollo’s Digital Stage. Ahead of the much-anticipated return of Amateur Night at the Apollo in February 2022, we will resume in-person auditions at the Apollo on October 9 and 10, so emerging artistic talents can vie for a spot in our signature talent show. For more information on how to audition in-person or digitally, please click here.

The Digital Stage will host a special presentation of the rarely seen documentary Devil’s Pie: D’Angelo about the singer’s rise to stardom, sudden disappearance, and return to music; and our beloved Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night returns, featuring Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre. We are also thrilled to welcome Jamie Foxx back to the Apollo stage live and in-person as he celebrates the release of his memoir, “Act Like You Got Some Sense.” New York Comedy Festival will come to Harlem with actor and comedian Amanda Seales’ “Smart Funny & Black Live!” and Broadway veteran Shoshana Bean’s holiday concert, Sing Your Hallelujah will also return. You can visit our gift shop in person, and for those who would like a closer look behind the scenes of the Apollo, join us for an upcoming virtual tour, hosted by our very own resident historian Mr. Billy Mitchell, aka Mr. Apollo. For more information on the upcoming season and to access tickets, please click here.

As we continue to navigate the ongoing health crisis, we have implemented a number of protocols to keep our community, staff, and artists safe, including requiring proof of vaccination and masks for everyone entering the theater as required by state and local health officials. For more details, please visit our website here.

I’d like to especially thank the many generous donors who have sustained us over the past year and continue to support our work. For those who are able, we hope you’ll consider supporting the Apollo’s upcoming season and future by making a donation here. I look forward to seeing you at the Apollo and on our Digital Stage very soon!

Jonelle Procope
President & CEO
Apollo Theater

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