History
The Cambridge Players-Next Generation is a Black Theatre Troupe that was originally The Cambridge Players Inc., formed by Edmund J. Cambridge stage, film and television actor and director who was a founding member of New York's famed Negro Ensemble Company. He worked with a virtual who's who of African-American performers; among them: Academy Award winner Louis Gossett Jr., two-time Tony winner James Earl Jones, Emmy winner Roscoe Lee Browne, Oscar nominee Cicely Tyson, American poet laureate Maya Angelou and many more. Cambridge later directed the original production of Lonne Elder III's "Ceremonies in Dark Old Men," which ran Off Broadway and in Hollywood, starring Billy Dee Williams.
Cambridge's many directing credits also included James Baldwin's "Amen Corner" and August Wilson's "Two Trains Running." He directed the play "227" that Edmund brought to the attention of N.B.C.-- which later became a TV sitcom starring Marla Gibbs -- at Gibbs' Crossroads Theater in L.A. He served as artistic director of the Cambridge Players during the 1980s, an acting company that included Esther Rolle ("Good Times"), Academy Nominated Actress Juanita Moore ("Imitation of Life"), Helen Martin (“Pineapple Express”, “227”, “Cotton Comes To Harlem”), Royce Wallace (“Murder In Texas”) and Lynn Hamilton (“Sandford And Son”, "The Waltons"). Supporting Cambridge Players were, Isabel Sanford (The Jefferson), Beah Richards (Oscar Nominee- “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner”) and Maya Angelou (Actress, Director, Poet).
The Original Cambridge Players were successful in taking a Los Angeles Premiere of James Baldwins "The Amen Corner" to Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theater in April of 1965. Produced by Mrs. Nat Cole, ( Nat King Cole's Spouse), Written by James Baldwin, Directed by Frank Silvera, Scenic Design by Vantile Whitfield, Production Stage Manager: James Gelb; Stage Manager: Edmund J.Cambridge (ED) and Press Representative: Dorothy Ross
Cast : Art Evans, Gertude Jeanette, Amentha Dymally, Whitman Mayo, Beah Richards, Juanita Moore, Isabel Sanford, Frank Silvera and C.P. Walker
Building Dreams
A Message from Kirk E. Kelleykahn:
I could not think of a better way for the Cambridge Players–Next Generation to revive the Cambridge Players and honor the late Edmund J. Cambridge than with Celeste Bedford Walker’s Reunion in Bartersville. The work of the original Cambridge Players was very instrumental in my decision to study acting with serious intent. When I approached Juanita Moore with the idea of creating an acting troupe, I could not have imagined the support and guidance she would provide. Through the ups and downs of the past four years, Juanita has been a teacher, mentor, and advisor.
There were six of us, now only two. We called ourselves Cambridge Players — (New) Generation — all of which were willing to do or die for dear old Cambridge, myself included. We started with Saturday workshops. Little did we know that it would not be a walk in the park, for we had the Grande Dame, “Juanita Moore,” as our instructor. Having Juanita for an instructor was like having a distinguished nun standing over you in parochial school with a ruler and a bar of soap, I might add. It was Yale Repertory in its finest hour. She made you question what, when, where, and why you even existed in this world — and whether you had earned your place as a human being in it — let alone wanting to be an actor. I knew what to expect, but others did not. Our workshops always ended with this serene feeling that was everlasting. We were accomplishing something truly worthwhile — a learning and performing Mecca (if you will). A very positive atmosphere with knowledge being our power. “This is the Cambridge way,” Juanita would say. “Not only is it a legacy, it’s a way of life.”
Juanita, I love you for supporting me in every aspect of my life. I could not have it any better. Lynn Hamilton, you are a true gem. The two of you are the epitome of class — a tough act to follow.
For our first production, we could not have done it without our incredible Director, Sherrie Lofton, our gifted cast, and our priceless crew. So many of you played a very important role in shaping the next generation, and we hope you will continue to join us on our journey. Your financial support and generosity are always greatly appreciated. We have very large shoes to fill, so please join us. Bring a friend, volunteer, and just know that we can’t do it without you.
A warm thanks to Sally Thomas, Jim Izzo, Cathie Thomer, Jill Meyer, Ayahlushim Hammond, Jan Perry, Darnell Tyler, Jim Slater, Kathie Presas, Jeffrey Nutting, Reginald Smith—SR3 Solutions, Jaime Trinidad, Sara Hurley, Jens Olsen, and Charlie Smith.
And here we are today, in 2026. I never thought we would have such an outstanding documentary completed about Juanita Moore—one of the original Cambridge Players—and that it would be up for awards. We are coming full circle, and there is still so much we want to do at the Cambridge Players. It’s an honor!
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