Onyx Center for the Performing Arts - Detroit
Not simply to present the arts. To transform lives through them.
Dr. Evelyn Collins, Founder & Executive Director
Rooted in Detroit. Reaching the world.
The Onyx Center for the Performing Arts is a Detroit-based multidisciplinary arts institution dedicated to advancing artistic excellence, arts education, cultural preservation, and community transformation through theatre, music, dance, and visual arts. Rooted in Detroit's rich cultural legacy and connected to the creative capital of New York City, the Center cultivates emerging and established artists, provides transformative opportunities for youth and adults, and serves as a national bridge connecting communities, cultures, and generations through the power of the arts.
That Detroit-to-New-York exchange is the Center's throughline: elevating Black artistic traditions, nurturing the next generation of creative leaders, and opening pathways that carry local talent to national and global stages.
The 2026-27 Season
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October 2026 - Detroit
In Celebration of the Arts 2026
Gala
The season's gala evening arrives in Detroit in October 2026, with a New York City celebration, In Celebration of the Arts 2027, to follow in January 2027.
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December 2026
Black Nativity
Theatre
Black Nativity comes to the stage in December 2026; production details will be announced on the season page.
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March 2027
Born to Sing
Music
Born to Sing, an original musical by Dr. Evelyn Collins and Gregg Payne, receives its world premiere in Detroit in March 2027.
Four disciplines. One home.
Theatre, music, dance, and visual arts, with transformative opportunities for youth and adults across one connected institution.
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Theatre
Stories that put powerful voices center stage and send them out into the community.
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Music
Song and sound as living heritage, carried from the rehearsal room to the concert stage.
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Dance
Movement as storytelling, honoring tradition while making room for bold new work.
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Visual Arts
A home for image-makers and their audiences within the daily life of the Center.
The Youth Arts Academy - after-school programs, master classes, and a Summer Arts Institute - is in development.
Founded by Dr. Evelyn Collins
A Detroit native, Dr. Evelyn Collins founded the Denzel Washington School of the Arts and was honored by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University Excellence in Theatre Education program in 2022 and 2023. As Founder and Executive Director, she leads the Onyx Center's work across theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
Guided by national voices
Eleven national arts leaders, among them Phylicia Rashad and Lillias White, advise the Center's artistic and educational work and its bridge between Detroit and New York City.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Onyx Center for the Performing Arts?
The Onyx Center for the Performing Arts is a Detroit-based multidisciplinary arts institution dedicated to advancing artistic excellence, arts education, cultural preservation, and community transformation through theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
Where is the Center located?
The Center is rooted in Detroit, with programming that bridges Detroit and New York City. Mailing and contact details are published on the Contact page.
How can I see a performance?
The 2026-27 Season page lists every announced production. Ticketing details will be announced there as they are confirmed.
How can I support the Center?
Visit the Support Onyx page to learn about giving and other ways to help the Center's work in theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
Is the Onyx Center a nonprofit?
Yes. The Onyx Center for the Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.