The King Arts Travel Society (KATS) is designed to give our members the opportunity to enrich their lives by participating in programs, exhibitions and live performances at arts institutions outside of the Greater Columbus area. We hope to offer at least four artistically inspired events annually, broadening our knowledge of African American history and culture. Join us for a trip to the National Black Theatre Festival... August 2 - 5, 2007, Winston Salem, NC.

Held biennially, NBTF attracts more than 60,000 people during the six-day event. NBTF celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1999. The next NBTF will be held in Winston-Salem, NC, July 30 - August 4, 2007. Festival highlights will include the Readers' Theatre of New Works, the Youth/Celebrity Project, International Colloquia, International Vendor's Market, Workshops and Seminars, and of course, over 100 theatrical performances.

Take Advantage of these Wonderful Activities:

National Black Theatre Festival Poetry Jam! Since 2001 when Mr. Marvtastic had the insight and vision to create the NBTF Poetry Jam it has had the support of Festival attendees and celebrities alike. Malcolm Jamal-Warner has hosted the jam now for three Festivals! He has also performed his own original spoken word which was a rave at the Slam.

The Plays - The Festival is proud to offer over 30 "kicking" productions. You will not be able to see them all within a week. Celebrity performances from 2005 included Kim Fields in Pandora's Trunk, Antonio Fargas and others in Eddie Lee Baker is Dead, Chester Gregory in The Jackie Wilson Story, Ella Joyce in Willie & Esther, Melba Moore in Melba Moore: Sweet Songs of the Soul, Barry Scott in Ain't Got Long to Stay Here, Malcolm-Jamal Warner in Love & Other Social Issues and Hal Williams in Freeda Peoples. Theater performance tickets range in price from $20 to $50, with 2 shows daily at 3 and 8 pm. Tickets are available on line, by telephone and mail beginning June 18th. All registrants will receive the festival brochure by mail. Workshops, film festival and the International Colloquium are free.

The International Vendors' Market at Twin City Quarter/M. C. Benton Convention Center, Downtown Winston-Salem is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 2, 3 & 4: 11 am - 5 pm; 9 pm - 1 am.

Citywide closing parade Saturday, August 4, 11 PM. Free and open to the public.

Transportation on Lakefront lines 56 passenger motor coach, climate controlled, restroom equipped, reclining seats, AM/FM stereo cassette, larger windows allowing for panoramic viewing and three (3) DVD / VCR monitors for better movie viewing. Frequent stops for meals, rest, and sightseeing.

Accommodations at the NBTF Host hotel: Marriott Winston Salem (located in downtown Winston-Salem.) The hotel features 461 spacious, contemporary guestrooms housed in two buildings connected by a skywalk. Guestroom amenities include cable television and coffeemakers, irons, hair dryers, and small refrigerators are available upon request. High-speed internet, outdoor pool, whirlpool and exercise room available.

Itinerary

Trip cost (Transportation and lodging)

Space is limited; reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis

To register, charge by phone at 614-645-0632 or email jyounger@kingartscomplex.com. Registration deadline is June 27, 2007. No refunds or cancellations after July 1, 2007