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Louisville's African American Theatre Program is the first of its kind in the nation

The African American Theatre Program was created in 1993.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville has a rich history and sense of pride when it comes to the performing arts. 

The University of Louisville (UofL) has a program uniquely designed that sets them apart -- the African American Theatre Program (AATP).

“It is the only graduate degree theatre program in the country, and we may say in the world,” Shona Tucker, the department chair, said. 

AATP was created in 1993. It's the first and only accredited graduate program in African American Theatre in the nation. 

“The more we know our history, the further we will go as people," Katyrn Booker, assistant professor and co-director for AATP, said. 

The department was supported by forward thinkers in the community. 

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“We had people like Dr. Blaine Hudson and Bob Douglas who understood the power of theatre," Tucker said.  

All theatre majors have to take a minimum of two courses in AATP. 

“You can graduate from the graduate program without having an AATP certificate, but you can not graduate without taking courses in the AATP,” Tucker said explaining the requirements. 

LaShondra Hood is a graduate of the program. Now, an assistant professor and co-director of AATP, she understands the importance because she was in their position trying to navigate while understanding her professional options. 

“I think it gives me a great opportunity for duality that I understand this program, specifically the inner workings of the program as a student, and then how I can advocate for students on the other end,” she said. 

Hood takes pride in the certification and its credibility it brings to their craft. 

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“Listen, I'm smiling so hard because I can’t wait for people to ask about my certificate from the AATP,” Hood said. “I know its a standout on the resume. Unless they came to UofL, no one else can put it on their resume.” 

Booker teaches real-life scenarios that are relatable. 

"It's really also that moment of community building that allows students to understand that they are building community everyday in their lives. They are creating culture everyday of their lives," she said. 

During Black History Month, AATP reflects on its almost 31 years in existence.

“I always recognize the shoulders upon which I’m standing," Booker said. "In celebrating Black History, we are creating Black futures.”

“We are not what we were 30 years ago and we're not what we were 10 minutes ago. We're all that and then some," Hood said. "We're continuing to grow, and evolve, and learn and produce students that will continue the research.” 

►Contact WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on FacebookTwitter, or Instagram.

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