Organization The Ensemble Theatre (The Ensemble) was founded in 1976 with a mission, “to preserve African American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain, and enrich a diverse community”. Founded by George Hawkins, The Ensemble was originally a touring company, and is now one of Houston’s most renowned cultural institutions. Reaching a multi-cultural audience with a season of six contemporary and classical works each year, by both local and national playwrights, The Ensemble is one of the only professional theaters in the region dedicated to producing works portraying the African American experience. It is also the oldest and largest African American professional theater company that owns its facilit