Upcoming events
February
Feb 7 - Dilla Day Beatmaking Workshop
Feb 10 - Hip-Hop Monologue Writing Workshop
March
Mar 9 - Act Up: Actors workshop
Mar 10 - Hip-Hop Monologue Writing workshop
Mar 14 - PoetryCon w/ InsideOut Literary Arts
About the Festival
BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival consists of 16 Bars (a new play showcase), and the BRED Block Party (a curation of Detroit’s finest hip-hop artists and vendors).BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival is coming fall 2026.
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About BHHTF
16 Bars
BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival is the culmination of 16 Bars, a devising period consisting of just 16 days leading up the Festival. Over 16 days, 4 playwrights and production teams work together to create and showcase 4 new one-act plays inspired by a hip-hop/rap song.Playwrights and production teams are completely unaware of what song they will be given to be inspired by prior to the beginning of 16 Bars (the devising period).16 Bars is theater’s response to a sample, a remix and a freestyle all in one!
About BHHTF
BRED Block Party
Hip-Hop started in the spirit of celebration, so we felt it only right to continue the tradition. The Block Party features some of Detroit’s finest hip-hop artists and singers.2026 Featured Artists TBA
Interested in performing? Email bred4anything@gmail.com***2024 Featured Artists: Trey Grams, $leaz, Pat2Dope, Rap Camp, Ink, Malcolm X Elliott, Donforwhatever, Valid and DJ Head, Ilajide, Brittney B Hayden, DJ BOS’N, DJ King Kvll. Hosted by Loke.
Photos by Barely Hispanic, HISOPTICS, and BRED
About BHHTF
Goals
BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival aims to provide high-value creative opportunities for diverse emerging and established theater and hip-hop artists. BRED prioritizes working with area talent but embraces artists and guests from around the globe.
BHHTF Mission, Vision, Values
Mission - Showcase hip-hop artists and devise new plays inspired by narrative hip-hop/rap songs with established and emerging theater artists.
Vision - Theater and hip-hop artists and enthusiasts come together to learn from and contribute to the legacy of Hip-Hop and American theater culture.
Values - Community; live arts; access; and technology.
About BHHTF
Leadership
BHHTF Artistic Directors: Alesyn McCall-Brown (Al Wu), Shawntai McCall-Brown, Richard McCall (King Kvll)
Get Involved
Join the Movement
BRED is seeking standout talent for next year’s festival. Interested playwrights, technical designers (set, lights, sound), directors, stage managers, actors, hip-hop artists and volunteers are invited to share your resume with bred4anything@gmail.com with the subject HIP-HOP THEATRE FEST 2026.
Interested in the BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival and other events with Beats Rhymes Everything Detroit? Join the mailing list.
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Interested in the BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival and other events with Beats Rhymes Everything Detroit? Join the mailing list.
BRED Hip-Hip Theatre Festival 2026 © All rights reserved.
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Much love
The BRED Hip-Hop Theatre Festival’s existence is contingent on the blessing and contributions of the village. We're glad to know people like you.