The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center proudly presents the Lynn Riggs Black Box Theatre, a dynamic 99-seat performance space named for Lynn Riggs, the Claremore-born gay, Cherokee poet and playwright who brought Oklahoma stories to the world. Riggs is best known for plays such as Green Grow the Lilacs (which inspired the musical Oklahoma!), The Cherokee Night and The Cream in the Well, works that highlight Native American life, queer perspectives, and the richness of rural Oklahoma storytelling.
In 2017, as part of its $1 million capital improvement campaign, the Center transformed a large empty garage into this Black Box Theatre with two clear goals: to create partnerships with Tulsa arts organizations and to ensure that all voices, telling all kinds of stories, would be heard. Today, the theatre continues to honor that mission, hosting productions like Theatre Tulsa’s rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Heller Theatre Company’s “The Heller Shorts” and The Deaths of Sybil Bolton, as well as Pat Hobbs’s monthly cabaret series, Thursdays in the Rainbow Room, which has raised over $10,000 for the Center.
A vibrant mural of Lynn Riggs adorns the exterior wall, celebrating his legacy and the theatre’s commitment to creativity, diversity, and inclusion.
The Lynn Riggs Theater is fully equipped with professional sound and lighting and is available for events.
Features include:
- Professional sound system and mixer
- Professional stage lighting
- Adjustable side wings/curtains
- 6 risers for seating or choir
- Direct exterior entry
- Full bar service available
- Seating and 10 bistro-size tables available
Thursdays in the Rainbow Room
Every month, the Rainbow Room comes alive with Thursdays in the Rainbow Room, a cabaret series featuring Tulsa’s finest musical theatre performers. Expect bold performances, unforgettable songs, and a night full of laughter, music, and community. It’s your front-row seat to local talent and a celebration of creativity in a welcoming, inclusive space.