Our History & Legacy
M Ensemble Company (MEC) is the longest-running African American professional theater company in the State of Florida.
Our Beginnings: Founded in 1971
The company was formed in 1971 on the University of Miami campus under the direction of its founder, the late T.G. Cooper, who later became Chairman of the Theater Department at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Our mission to promote African American culture and experiences through the performing arts was started by a diverse group of UM students and community residents who were interested in theater and needed an outlet to consistently practice and showcase their craft.
At that time, the company used various community centers, such as the Harry Belafonte TACOLCY Center and Edison Community Center, both in Liberty City, for rehearsals.
Establishing Our Place in the Community
Prior to T.G. Cooper's departure from the company, the first and one-time grant of $30,000 was awarded from the newly federally funded Model Cities agency. The grant allowed the company to move to a more permanent location in the Liberty City community.
A rented warehouse was converted into a 60-seat theater with office space in 1972, with Samuel Williams, Patricia E. Williams, and Shirley Richardson assuming leadership.
A year later, the company was invited to be the first resident company at the newly built Model Cities Cultural Arts Center, renamed the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, where it remained for 16 years until 1989.
Since then, the company has moved to various venues in Miami-Dade County before finding space for 14 years in North Miami, where MEC provided North Miami and neighboring communities with a four-play season of quality African American productions, garnering rave reviews and new patrons.
Finding a Permanent Stage
During its 2014–2015 season, MEC continued to face obstacles in finding a stable home where the company could become more financially secure and continue its programming.
In 2017, MEC moved into its new home as the resident company at the newly built Sandrell Rivers Theater, located at the Audrey M. Edmonson Transit Village in Liberty City where it remains today.
Since MEC's move, the company has gained the support of a new, diverse audience alongside its loyal patrons.
Pioneering Arts Education & Youth Engagement
Throughout the years, MEC has been involved in creating and implementing various innovative projects, including:
Pioneering the county's first drama workshop for blind and visually impaired children, with funding from The Lighthouse for the Blind in 1977.
Establishing the first drama program for youth in the Juvenile Detention Center.
Providing youth with early exposure to the arts to stimulate empathy, improve educational outcomes, and build confidence, self-expression, creativity, and discipline.
Students on Stage: Inspiring the Next Generation
M Ensemble's Students on Stage Program continues to serve youth between the ages of 5–17.
This three-month afterschool program provides students with opportunities to learn and participate in the artistic components of theater while also engaging in its technical aspects as they prepared for their recital.
Awards, Recognition & Artistic Excellence
MEC has received many accolades, recognition and rave reviews from audiences and the press alike for its accomplishments throughout the years. Check out our recent and notable awards of M Ensemble.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating Our Legacy & Expanding Our Reach
M Ensemble's 2026–2027 season will open at the Sandrell Rivers Theater in celebration of the company's 56th anniversary, in conjunction with a Kwanzaa Celebration.
This event will take place in the heart of Liberty City, where the community proudly refers to the venue as "our very own Broadway."
M Ensemble is grateful for your continued support as it expands its programming to include a four-play season and develops a touring company featuring new works by local writers.
The company is also plans to expand its Students on Stage afterschool program, providing underserved youth with valuable access to arts education.
M Ensemble Company is a 501 C(3) nonprofit organization. Your support will help us increase our capacity to sustain and grow programming with additional staff focused on grant writing, fundraising, and administrative duties.
This growth will enable this legacy Company to thrive and continue making a lasting impact on the community.
To promote and preserve the African American culture through the performing arts
Organization name
M Ensemble Company
Tax id (EIN)
59-1773348
Mission Category
Arts & Culture
Program Site Locations
Miami: Liberty City/Brownsville
Annual Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Primary Population Served
Black/African American/African, General Population, Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx
Address
6103 N.W. 7th Ave.