Burning Coal Theatre

Burning Coal Theatre Literate. Visceral. Affecting. Professional theatre that’s community-focused and shaped by a global perspective. What do we do at Burning Coal?

Produce literate, visceral, affecting theatre that is experienced, not simply seen. We emphasize works that are felt and experienced viscerally, unlike more traditional, linear plays where audiences are most often asked to observe without participating. Using the best local, national and international artists available, we produce explosive re-examinations of overlooked classics, modern and conte

mporary plays that address issues and themes poignant in our community. With this in mind, we strive to achieve high-energy performances with minimalist production values. Race and gender non-specific casting is an integral component of our perspective, as well as an international viewpoint. Where did we get the name Burning Coal? From the New Testament, Romans 12:20: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals upon his head.” We are interested in the idea of affecting change through theater. We also like the metaphor and imagery that ‘burning coals’ suggest: gritty, yet warm; hard work; forward movement.

Join us June 21st, 22nd & 24th for From Spectator to Spect-actor, Forum Theatre & Political! This three-day workshop tau...
06/06/2026

Join us June 21st, 22nd & 24th for From Spectator to Spect-actor, Forum Theatre & Political! This three-day workshop taught by Deb Royals offers a dynamic, community-centered approach to using theatre as a tool for connection, dialogue, and social engagement.
ℹ Find out more and register here: https://burningcoal.org/upcoming-workshop/
🗓June 21st 7:30-9:00pm, June 22nd & 24th from 7:00-8:30pm
📍Where: Murphey School – 224 Polk St. Raleigh
🎟Cost: $50/workshop ($75 for all 3!!)

We are so excited for our upcoming 2026-2027 Season! In celebration of our upcoming THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY SEASON, we are...
06/05/2026

We are so excited for our upcoming 2026-2027 Season! In celebration of our upcoming THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY SEASON, we are bringing back some of our favorite plays from past seasons, along with some new titles that we've been itching to produce!
Get your SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS here: https://burningcoal.org/season-30/

The 2026 - 2027 season includes:
🎭Travesties (October 8 – 25, 2026) – by Tom Stoppard

🎭The Seafarer (December 3 – 20, 2026) – by Conor McPherson

🎭Gee's Bend (February 4 – 21, 2027) – by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder
in repertory with
🎭The Pitmen Painters (February 4 – 21, 2027) – by Lee Hall

🎭The Fantasticks (April 8 - 25, 2027) – by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

🎭Meet the cast of SHADOWS IN RED LIGHT by Roné Roux Sargent, which runs during Burning Coal Theatre presents: Wait 'Til ...
06/05/2026

🎭Meet the cast of SHADOWS IN RED LIGHT by Roné Roux Sargent, which runs during Burning Coal Theatre presents: Wait 'Til You See This Second Stage Series.

Come experience the US premiere and concert version of this new musical.
🎟Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.org/second-stage/
🗓Dates: June 13-28, 2026

Don't miss our upcoming Second Stage Series: Wait 'Til You See This! Featuring DANGER! written and performed by Lucius R...
06/03/2026

Don't miss our upcoming Second Stage Series: Wait 'Til You See This!
Featuring DANGER! written and performed by Lucius Robinson.

🎟Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.org/second-stage/
🗓Dates: June 11 - 28, 2026

We are thrilled to announce our Scotland Tour 2027!🗓Dates: May 22-May 30, 2027ℹ Find out more and sign up here: https://...
06/03/2026

We are thrilled to announce our Scotland Tour 2027!

🗓Dates: May 22-May 30, 2027
ℹ Find out more and sign up here: https://burningcoal.org/scotland-tour/

Join Burning Coal’s Artistic Director Jerome Davis on a tour through the Scottish Highlands, lowlands and yes, midlands, too! We’ll visit extraordinary vistas, see exciting sites and maybe even stroll through the heather on the hill, while taking in some of the most exciting theatres museums and historic sites Scotland has to offer.

Our Second Stage Series: Wait 'Til You See This is around the corner! Here's a sneak peek of  DR RIDE’S AMERICAN BEACH H...
06/01/2026

Our Second Stage Series: Wait 'Til You See This is around the corner! Here's a sneak peek of DR RIDE’S AMERICAN BEACH HOUSE by Liza Birkenmeier (co-produced by Brave New Classics)!
🎟Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.org/second-stage/
🗓Dates: June 11 - 28, 2026

Synopsis:
It's 1983, the night before Dr. Sally Ride's historic flight. On a sweltering St. Louis rooftop, four women explore their unfulfilled ambitions and burgeoning Q***r identities as the sun sets.

We are so excited for our upcoming Second Stage Series: Wait 'Til You See This! Here's a sneak peek of the concert versi...
05/30/2026

We are so excited for our upcoming Second Stage Series: Wait 'Til You See This! Here's a sneak peek of the concert version and US premiere of SHADOWS IN RED LIGHT by Roné Roux Sargent!
🎟Get your tickets here: https://burningcoal.org/second-stage/
🗓Dates: June 11 - 28, 2026

Synopsis: In 1966, Claire, a single mother from Toronto, makes the heartbreaking decision to place her one-year-old daughter, Angeline, in foster care - or so she thought. Nearly two decades later, Angeline finds herself trapped in a life of prostitution and facing an HIV diagnosis. With the help of Daniel, she begins a search for the mother she believes abandoned her, unaware that she is one of many victims of the Baby Scoop Era. Themes of hope, sacrifice, and belonging shape this story about love in its many forms.

Address

224 Polk Street
Raleigh, NC
27604

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(919) 834-4001

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Burning Coal Theatre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Burning Coal Theatre:

Share