During our Harlem Renaissance Gala fundraiser “Meet Me at the Savoy”, we’ll celebrate African American performing arts luminaries born in or active during that era: our namesake Langston Hughes (a central figure of the Renaissance)…

Langston Hughes. Credit: Smithsonian Portrait Gallery

poet Maya Angelou, singer Billie Holiday and many others. And just for laughs, we’ve also invited the groundbreaking comedienne Moms Mabley — the subject of LHPAI’s fall play.

Jackie “Moms” Mabley. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

You’ll see all of these renowned figures — or people who look and sound remarkably like them — as we also honor a living jazz legend: Seattle vocalist Grace Holden. She’s performed with notables like Quincy Jones, in venues as varied as Jazz Alley and the Experience Music Project.

Credit: Paradox Studios

Co-chaired by the Honorable Charles Z. Smith and Eleanor M. Smith, the gala also includes dinner as well as a silent and dessert auction. The success of our gala helps young people create their own artistic legacies. When you buy a ticket for one, or sponsor a table for eight, you support LHPAI’s youth performing arts academies and the teen summer musical.

So be transported in time, and transported by our performances! Tickets go fast, so sign up now for a night of song and support for LHPAI’s youth programming.

Volunteers setting up for LHPAI’s 2009 gala fundraiser

… to welcoming spaces for a full house of guests.

Our 2009 gala, “Illuminating Langston”

And now we have a host of upcoming volunteer opportunities waiting for your unique skills:

Harlem Renaissance Gala Fundraiser

Many of you have experience from last year’s gala, and you all came through with enthusiasm and skill! This year’s experience will be even better and more meaningful! Our volunteer coordinator Jacob Galfano will email you in early June with the roles we’re looking to fill. You can expect these roles to be somewhat similar to the experience you had during the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival (LHAAFF).

If you can think of something that would add to the gala experience for our guests, we’d love to consider your ideas! Email your brilliance and your questions to jacob.galfano@seattle.gov.

Teen Summer Musical/Marketing & Outreach

We’re looking for energetic people to help us spread the word about our upcoming auditions for this year’s Teen Summer Musical! We will provide you with fliers as well as a social media toolkit to help you promote these auditions to your networks. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Education Coordinator to sign up, or to ask specific questions: kristi.matsuda@seattle.gov.

Survey Data Entry

Our volunteer coordinator Jacob Galfano considers himself a bit of a stats nerd who loves collecting accurate data and analyzing it to support more amazing LHPAI programming. For him, it’s a party — and he’s throwing open the doors of his survey data “party” to our volunteers. We need you to help Jacob record survey data from our recent events, including LHAAFF. Join Jacob’s party at jacob.galfano@seattle.gov.

VTWs (Volunteer Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

In addition to survey data entry, we have project-based and operations tasks that need your support, every Tuesday and Wednesday during normal business hours (9am-5pm). We’re also open to hearing your ideas on how you’d like to support LHPAI as a volunteer. Check in with Alfred Love at the box office (in our lobby), and he’ll get you started. Alfred is at alfred.love@seattle.gov.

But we’re not all work and no play at LHPAI — check out the rewards below!

Volunteer Orientation & Celebration

Join us in July as we celebrate our fiercely strong and smart volunteer base with food and fun! We’ll pick a solid date when the sun is shining (after July 4th, right?) for the fun… barbecue may be an option. Here’s your space to enjoy yourself while you offer feedback to help us make the volunteer experience more meaningful and enriching. Jacob will email you with more information soon.

Volunteer Rewards

We’re hard at work putting together the rewards page here on our site, where you can track your hours and rewards. In the meantime, enjoy the opportunities listed below! Please pay close attention to the due dates and contact Jacob immediately (jacob.galfano@seattle.gov) to enter the drawings!

Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF)

If you want to attend either SIFF event, notify Jacob by 5pm on Monday, May 13th. He’ll need this information:

• your name
• whether you want one or two tickets
• whether you want tickets for Opening Night, Closing Night or both (rank your preference)

Your SIFF options are:

• Opening Night Gala at McCaw Hall — Thursday, May 16th, 7pm: Seattle premiere of “Much Ado About Nothing” with director Joss Whedon and star Nathan Fillion scheduled to attend
• Closing Night Gala at Cinerama — Sunday, June 9th, 6:30pm: Seattle premiere of “The Bling Ring” directed by Sofia Coppola

Repertory Program 6 at Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB)

If you’re interested in attending any of the PNB performances below, notify Jacob by 5pm on Friday, May 17th. He’ll need this information:

• your name
• whether you want one or two tickets
• date and time of the performance you’d like to attend

PNB’s 40th anniversary season comes to a close with a tribute to George Balanchine, whose works have been integral to the ballet company’s history. Six guests are invited to attend any of the performances of DIRECTOR’S CHOICE and visit the donor lounge for complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres and chocolate. Choose from these dates:

Dress Rehearsal for Rep 6

We have two tickets available for the PNB’s dress rehearsal for Rep 6, on Thursday, May 30th.

DIRECTOR’S CHOICE Rep 6 performances

• Saturday, June 1st, 2pm or 7:30pm
• Thursday, June 6th, 7:30pm
• Friday, June 7th, 7:30pm
• Saturday, June 8th, 7:30pm
• Sunday, June 9th, 1pm

Remember, these are limited-time offers specifically for our volunteers! So get to know LHPAI inside and out as a volunteer, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

We’re partnering with Diverse Harmony to present the “Magical Thinking” concert, celebrating creative minds. Kids invent imaginary worlds of their own, but it also takes imagination to transform the world as young people mature. Diverse Harmony explores these concepts in two shows:

• Friday, May 10th, 7:30pm
• Sunday, May 12th, 2pm

Diverse Harmony bills itself as “the nation’s first gay-straight alliance youth chorus,” founded in 2002. They perform here in Seattle and other Northwest cities, and they’ve also brought their music to audiences in Denver, Chicago and even Montreal, Canada. Its vision is of a world in which differences are celebrated through music and the performing arts — much like our own values of connection-building between diverse communities and creating a nurturing environment for young performers.

But those are just a few reasons why we’re partnering with Diverse Harmony. Mostly, we like them because the 58-member chorus can SING! Join us as we work with Diverse Harmony to make this weekend “magical.”

Students of LHPAI Spring Youth Academy meet director Robert Townsend at our 2013 film festival

… and teach them performing arts skills presented by local and internationally-known artists?

Students in our Spring Youth Performing Arts Academy have had those opportunities and more, just this year. Pretty incredible, huh? Yet these are the kind of arts opportunities you’ve helped support at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.

That’s why we’re asking you to “GiveBIG” to LHPAI.

Every dollar counts during this one-day, online giving event presented by the Seattle Foundation. When you make a donation on May 15th, you’re supporting teen/youth programming and Pre-Performing Arts classes for three to five-year-olds.

Here’s how GiveBIG Day works:

• The Seattle Foundation will collect donations to non-profit organizations like LHPAI on May 15th, for the entire 24-hour period — midnight to midnight (Pacific Daylight Time).
• LHPAI also receives a prorated portion of a pool of matching funds from the foundation.
• The amount LHPAI depends on the size of the matching funds pool and the total donations raised on GiveBIG Day.

And GiveBIG donors are also eligible for a thank-you gift of their own that day too! You can find out more on the Seattle Foundation’s website.

When we say “every dollar counts,” we really mean it.  You give, the Seattle Foundation stretches that dollar with matching funds. Each donation supports new voices, young dreams and grassroots community work in the performing arts. So mark your calendar now… set yourself a reminder email… and then go online to give big on March 15th!

Director Robert Townsend on the set of “In The Hive”

This versatile filmmaker joins us for the final night of LHAAFF, April 21st at 6pm (tickets still available) for two of his films plus a reception.  Townsend presents the Seattle debut of his latest movie, “In The Hive” , with LHAAFF supporter Comcast.

Townsend directs “In The Hive” stars Michael Clarke Duncan & Loretta Devine

Based on the emotionally gripping story of The Hive, a school for “throwaway” boys in North Carolina, the film follows a young man (Jonathan Daniels) who is thrust into this school that may give him his last chance to find a positive direction for his life. This is poignant, timely and a must-see.

Townsend’s documentary “Why We Laugh“ features performances and insights from comedians from Redd Foxx to Bill Cosby and Chris Rock. The great news: Townsend will actually introduce “Why We Laugh” to the Seattle audience.

If you’ve always wanted to get inside the head of a film director, April 21st is the day to do it! Our own Bryan Johnson and Robyn Johnson present the short film “What About Us?”, starring Jasmine Guy. The Northwest-based international filmmakers will be here to talk to the audience.

At 1pm to 3pm that day, the collaborative team will dive into the debate about the stark differences between the attention given to well-to-do families of missing children versus the attention for children of less-affluent families.

Don’t miss these intense yet nuanced films on your final day and night of LHAAFF. If you haven’t already visited Brown Paper Tickets to purchase Closing Night tickets… what are you waiting for?

Our yearly presentation of films by and about people of African descent includes films coming to Seattle for the first time as well as world premieres and classics like our Opening Night film, “Brother From Another Planet.”

To further whet your appetite for the coming nine days, take a look at some of the other film sessions we’ve cooked up:

• Two short film + feature documentary programs
• Family/youth-friendly film program
• Two short film showcases

Want to indulge in a specific genre? Start with our Afrofuturist Evening, exploring films about the black presence in and perspective on science fiction. Where else will you see funkmaster George Clinton to astronaut Bernard A. Harris Jr. and beloved Seattle writer Octavia Butler in one film (“The Last Angel of History”)?

“The Last Angel of History” (dir. by John Akomfrah)

Other themed sessions include:

• Films about creativity in several artistic genres
• LGBTQ family and friends films
• Filmmakers panel discussion and Filmmaker Talkback

We’re thrilled to partner with two renowned Seattle institutions to bring you special themed film sessions:

• Music films: in partnership with Broadway at the Paramount Theatre, we bring you three short films plus a documentary on afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, while the Paramount brings you Fela!, the musical tracing his life and times
• Living with HIV: in partnership with the Fred Hutchinson Research Center’s HIV Vaccine Trials Unit and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, we bring you three films that show you what it’s like to live with HIV or AIDS. We’re proud to include post-film discussions with the filmmakers as well as Seattle community representatives.

And don’t miss Closing Night: Celebrating Robert Townsend! Not only are we screening of “Why We Laugh”, performances and interviews from and about great black comedians, we’re premiering Townsend’s latest film, “In the Hive”!

You can buy tickets for select films, or choose to buy one of our Langston Passes to get the best deals for a bigger piece of the film festival. Check out the full schedule here. Your seat is ready and waiting…

That ‘comedy hit’ is now approaching its 30th anniversary. It’s a film milestone we’re thrilled to present on the opening night of our own milestone — the 10th annual Langston Hughes African American Film Festival.  On April 13th, join us for the screening, plus a post-film discussion with star Joe Morton! (Depending on his busy filming schedule for the hit TV show “Scandal, Joe will either be here in person, or via videoconference. )

Details:

• WHEN: 7pm on Saturday, April 13th
• WHERE: LHPAI Theater and Great Hall
• TICKETS: $25 at Brown Paper Tickets

Why limit yourself to just one film on one night, when you can choose from three deals that save you money and showcase the best of the festival?

Gold Langston Pass ($150, valued at $300):

• entry to Opening Night, Closing Night (featuring “In the Hive” director Robert Townsend) and all film sessions
• entry to Filmmakers’ Panel Discussion
• Festival poster signed by filmmakers in attendance
• LHAAFF tote bag
• Discount on our fall play, “Moms Mabley”

Silver Langston Pass ($100, valued at $230):

• entry to Opening Night, Closing Night, and all film sessions
• LHAAFF mug
• Discount on our fall play, “Moms Mabley”

Bronze Langston Pass ($50, valued at $150):

• entry to Opening and Closing Night
• entry to ten of 16 film sessions

With more than 40 features, documentaries and short films to see, a Langston Pass also simplifies things.  It lets you see everything you can find time to see!

Credit: Freshest Roots Facebook page

You know Freshest Roots as the hosts of our open-mic nights, every first Friday of the month.

On March 30th, they perform at the “One Love” fundraiser  which supports Of One Body’s Urban Missions program. Nine other spoken-word artists also share poetic renditions of their life stories. Here’s a clip of featured poet Ezekiel Azonwu performing his piece “Beauty and the Beast.”

Can’t make it to this evening show? Spend a few hours at LHPAI and be a part of  ”Glam Slam” starting at 1pm.

This spoken-word and film project features local artists including Kevin Sea, 6 Deep, John Firefly; an open-mic session is scheduled for those who’d like to take the stage. Check our Facebook page for more details. And if you’re on the fence about picking up the mic yourself, maybe you’ll find encouragement in the words of another poet:

I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood. -Audre Lorde

Credit: Carmen Best

These young performers will present their talents in an homage to black history through the performing arts of dance, monologue and tap dancing. We’re proud to host them, in partnership with the Seattle Parks Youth Police Alliance, the Silent War Campaign, and the Seattle Police Department.

Credit: Denise Bouldin

It’s part of an initiative to help broaden the horizons of kids who sometimes miss out on opportunities many others take for granted. As Detective Denise “Cookie” Bouldin says, the performance is also “a chance for the kids to be heroes to their community.” Details:

WHEN: March 23rd, 6pm-8:30pm
WHERE: LHPAI theater
COST: Free

We’ll save you a seat!

Credit: Lisa Myers Bulmash

Volunteers are our lifeblood — they help sustain the Institute as a vibrant core of authentic African and diaspora performances and learning. And now we’d like to invite you to join us as we gear up for the tenth annual Langston Hughes African American Film Festival (LHAAFF).

We need volunteers of all skill sets and ages — before, during and after the festival, which runs from April 13th to April 21st. Here’s where you can help:

• Outreach: we’ll give you the posters, social media tools, ticket information and more
• Hospitality: connect with vendors in our community to ask for donations that help welcome our guests
• Communications: help us keep in touch with our filmmakers

We also need volunteers for administrative and operational projects. Starting in April, you can join us for VTW — Volunteer Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you’re more of a left-brain, organizational type, you can assist LHPAI staff and interns in guest reception, transportation and a host of other essential operations.

We’re currently updating our volunteer page, where you’ll be able to:

• Track your volunteer hours (especially useful for students!)
• Connect with other volunteers
• Match your skills to volunteer opportunities
• Confirm your volunteer assignments

We see volunteering as community-building, together. Help us shape our relationship with you! In addition to day-to-day feedback from you, we’d like to get to know you and your needs as a volunteer better at our twice-yearly community-building gatherings.

Ready to get started? Here’s what you do:

• Decide what fits you best from this list of volunteer roles
• Email our volunteer coordinator Jacob Galfano at jacob.galfano@seattle.gov or call 206-386-1177
• Familiarize yourself with our website
• Check the volunteer page for updates

Together we’ll build a strong and versatile volunteer community — and a major milestone in our film festival!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve never volunteered at LHPAI before. Do I need to fill out any paperwork?

Yes! Thank you for asking. We’ll provide application and background check forms; please bring a driver’s license or other form of identification so that we may make a photocopy.

When should I arrive? What should I do when I get there?

Generally, volunteers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their shift and will sign in with the volunteer coordinator (Jacob Galfano or House Manager), who will provide information about your volunteer role. Please be sure to sign in as well as sign out so we can credit you with the number of hours you served. However, you are welcome to arrive as early as you like as there will be work to do throughout the day.

What should I wear?

We request our volunteers to wear black pants or skirt (or a black dress), white top, and a tie. Please wear comfortable shoes!

Is there ample parking? What bus can I take to get to LHPAI?

Parking for volunteers will be available in the north lot (across Yesler) or in the lot behind the building (from 18th). Best bus routes are 4, 14, 27, and 48. More information here.

What if I get hungry/thirsty/tired/silly?

We will provide light refreshments to keep you energized in a volunteers-only space where you can rest. You are on your own with any silliness.

What should I bring? Where can I put it?

As little as possible… and at your own risk. While we will provide secured storage for personal items, we cannot be held responsible for anything stolen from the premises. It is perhaps best to bring the bare minimum.

Do I get to watch any of the films?

Yes! For each session you volunteer, we’ll provide you one ticket for another session (Note: Opening and Closing night sessions might not be available). Though your volunteer service always takes priority, you might be able to watch the film being screened during your volunteering.