Founded in Harlem in 1968, National Black Theater (NBT) is a cultural institution dedicated to transformative theater that centers Black liberation, storytelling, and collective imagination. Their springtime retreat at The Uplands was an opportunity to reconnect with their legacy and practices, strengthen relationships across teams, cultivate a culture of care, and create space for rest, innovation, and imagining the future together.
From the moment they arrived, the group embraced both the beauty of the land and the intention of their gathering. After settling in and sharing a meal overlooking the spring-green hills and valleys, participants grounded into place through a guided walk, sensory awareness practices, and the creation of community agreements. A spirited relay challenge quickly brought laughter, teamwork, and connection into the mix before the group began exploring NBT’s history and founding principles.
Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in conversations about organizational goals, strategic planning, growth, and the future of their work. Sessions focused on strengthening communication, deepening collaboration across teams, and exploring what a culture of care can look like in practice. Dedicated time for innovation and visioning invited fresh thinking while helping build alignment for the road ahead.
The retreat also created space for restoration and connection beyond meetings. Yoga, massage offerings, a sound bath, and time spent in nature encouraged participants to slow down and recharge. A guided walk focused on wild edible and medicinal plants offered a chance to experience the landscape through a different lens and deepen connection with the natural world.
Playfulness was woven throughout the experience as well. A lively game of Celebrity brought plenty of laughter, while collective cooking, outdoor dance, a bonfire with smores, and mule atv rides created opportunities for joy, spontaneity, and relationship-building. Shared nourishing meals and evenings spent together around the fire or relaxing in the hot tub helped strengthen connections in ways that formal meetings alone never could.
As the retreat came to a close, participants gathered for a final session of reflection and appreciation before capturing a group photo and beginning the journey home. Over four days, the group created space to honor their legacy, strengthen relationships, spark new ideas, and reconnect with the values that guide their work.
