On June 19, 2001, Jubilee Players, Inc. dba Jubilee Theatre celebrated 20 years of outstanding productions. Founded by Rudy Eastman in Fort Worth , Texas on June 19, 1981, Jubilee Theatre is the original home of African-American theater in North Texas. Jubilee Theatre was incorporated in 1982 and received 501(c)(3) status in May 1983.

After one season at 1801 East Vickery , the Board of Directors under the leadership of Darwin and Muriel Mendoza decided to become what the local press affectionately called a "gypsy theatre". . . performing in local theaters or nightclubs, filling in on off days, and occasionally getting a chance at weekend runs. The first production as a gypsy troupe opened the 1982-83 season, premiering an original production, The Blues Ain't Nothin, at StageWest. In that same season, a production of Home debuted at Circle Theatre. For the next five years, Jubilee Players would perform in lobbies, saloons, the former Caravan of Dreams, StageWest, and Pocket Sandwich Theater, just to name a few.

In November 1986, Jubilee staged its first production of Negroes in Space to sellout crowds at the Caravan of Dreams. Thanks to an Amon G. Carter Foundation challenge grant, Jubilee raised matching funds for a permanent space and funds for leasing, and renovation. In 1987 Jubilee Theatre opened its doors at 3114 East Rosedale , across from Texas Wesleyan University . This would be the first theater Jubilee would call home. The first show produced was a revival of the musical, The Blues Ain't Nothin.

In the early 1990s, Jubilee Theatre produced the first run of God's Trombones. In November of 1993, an active Board of Directors and Administrative Staff successfully concluded a capital campaign resulting in a newly renovated theater in downtown Fort Worth . This goal was met with 300-plus individuals and several organizations from all sectors of the city participating. This first show produced at 506 Main Street was Kate's Sister.

In 1995, Jubilee Theatre came under the Actors Equity Umbrella in an effort to bring in professional talent along with Jubilee's resident company. In 1996, Jubilee Theatre introduced a gospel musical, The Book of Job. From 1997 to 2000, Jubilee Theatre focused on a capital campaign that would expand the administrative staff, adding more production help. In 1998, arts patrons Hardy and Betty Sanders gave a pledge to upgrade the quality of work done at Jubilee. This pledge gave Jubilee a chance to produce such wonderful musicals such as Travelin' Shoes, The Tempest, and Attitude Girlfriend, Attitude.

Over the past five years, Jubilee has expanded its staff, enlarged its office space, and seen an increase in its budget from $255,000 in fiscal year 1998-1999 to a projected $380,000 in fiscal year 2003-2004. Jubilee Theatre has also seen its attendance rise consistently reaching audiences of over 12,000 each year. Jubilee has also launched an educational outreach program that has reached over 38,000 students in the FWISD in the last three years with funding under the Neighborhood Arts Program umbrella of the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County . Critical acclaim has come with the growth experienced by the organization. In 2001, Jubilee Theatre was rated as top theater company by both the Dallas Observer and the FW Weekly. In 2002, Jubilee Theatre was rated as a top theater company and best production by the FW Weekly.

As the 2003-2004 Season comes to a close, Jubilee Theatre looks to an expansion project in the Summer of 2004. Jubilee Theatre is committed to providing quality theater as the 21st Century begins.

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