Schedule
BPT 2026: PRESSURE will take place on the campuses of Howard University and Georgetown University, September 25–27, 2026.
Pressure is a frequent feature of our social worlds, cultural forms, and political movements. The word might signify the time crunch, the productivity push, and the existential crises that weigh on many of us lately (and not just lately).
Pressure also names the effort and force that we might exert to make change. Furthermore, it
evokes bodies touching, pressing, pushing, and leaning when they work or dance or fight or play or embrace.
Venues
Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
-
2455 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20059
-
Al Freeman Jr., Environmental Theatre Space (Black Box Theatre, Room 116)
-
3rd Floor Recital Hall, Room 300
Georgetown University Davis Performing Arts Center
-
Old North Way, Washington, DC 20057
-
On the campus near 37th and O Streets, NW
-
Gonda Theater
Campus Map & Information Desk
Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
-
Email: finearts@howard.edu
-
Georgetown University Davis Performing Arts Center
Meeting Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC (Dupont Circle)
-
Address: 1733 N St NW, Washington DC 20036
-
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wasnc-courtyard-washington-dc-dupont-circle/overview/
Schedule
Keynote Presentation: Thomas F. DeFrantz
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Lines of Elaborated Flight and Time: Baroque Black Performance 📍 Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, 3rd Floor Recital Hall, Room 300
Day 1: BPT 2026: PRESSURE
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrivals & Continental Breakfast 📍 Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Introductions & Program Overview 📍 Al Freeman Jr., Environmental Theatre Space (Black Box Theatre, Room 116)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch 📍 Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Transition to Georgetown University 📍 Georgetown University Davis Performing Arts Center, Gonda Theater
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Group Work Sessions 📍 Georgetown University Davis Performing Arts Center
6:00 PM
Dinner 📍 Peacock Cafe, 3251 Prospect Street, Washington DC.
Day 2: BPT 2026: PRESSURE
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Continental Breakfast 📍 Georgetown University Davis Performing Arts Center
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Groups Convene 📍 Davis Performing Arts Center, multiple rooms
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Group 1
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Group 2
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Group 3
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch 📍 Davis Performing Arts Center
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Group 4
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Group 5
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Group 6
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Group 7
6:00 PM
Catered Dinner Buffet by Peaches Caribbean Kitchen 📍 Davis Performing Arts Center
Day 3: BPT 2026: PRESSURE
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Continental Breakfast 📍 Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Dream Jobs and Mentorship Discussion 📍 Al Freeman Jr., Environmental Theatre Space (Black Box Theatre, Room 116)
12:00 PM
Farewell and Safe Travels
Washington, D.C. Activities
Available throughout the weekend:
📍 Step Afrika!
-
September 10 - November 1, 2026
📍 National Museum of African American History and Culture
-
September 24 - 27, 2026
-
Understanding America: Conversations with Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Sept 25, 7pm to 8pm
-
The Purple Ball: Echoes of the Pearl Saturday, Sept 26, 6:30pm - 11:00pm
-
Violet Vibes: A Community Celebration, Sunday, Sept 27, 10:00am to 11:00pm
📍 American Black Film Festival Pop Up 2026
-
September 24 - 27, 2026
📍 Washington, DC Theatre Week
-
September 24 - October 11, 2026
📍 Dance Theatre of Harlem
-
September 25 - 26, 2026
For further information on DC and DMV attractions and events, please visit https://washington.org/.