Shawn Whitsell and Mary McCallum of the Destiny Theatre Experience and SistaStyle Productions are raising funds for the 20th Annual Shades of Black Theatre Festival. Funds will be used to offset expenses in order to remove financial barriers and offer the event at low cost (and sometimes free) to the community. Festival organizers never let funds keep patrons from attending the festival. Comps are given to individuals who can't afford tickets, and some events are held at no cost to the community.

Shades of Black is an avenue for new and experienced writers, directors, actors, and producers.