Burning Coal Theatre Company

Mission :

Burning Coal is a small professional theatre company and an incorporated, non-profit [501 (c) (3)] organization.  We work with a mixture of AEA and non-Equity actors.  We have a loose company, but cast regularly beyond the company.

Burning Coal is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the national organization of non-profit professional theatres and the North Carolina Theatre Conference, a state-wide consortium of theatres of all sizes and types. 

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 contemporary 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.