The Indianapolis Black Theatre Company (IBTC) has named a new interim artistic director and appointed two new board members.
The IBTC announced Tijideen (TJ) Rowley will take over as the theater’s interim artistic director, effective immediately. The theater also announced the appointment of two new board members: the Rev. Dr. Shonda Nicole Gladden and Karen Dace.
“We are thrilled to have TJ Rowley step into this leadership role at such a pivotal moment for IBTC,” Stephen Farris, IBTC board president, said in a statement. “His expertise in both theatre and business, combined with his dedication to community-driven storytelling, will help IBTC navigate this transition and emerge stronger than ever.”
Rowley brings a wealth of experience in theater leadership, education and strategic development, with both a degree in theater from IU Bloomington and an MBA from Boise State University. Currently, he serves as the director of training and development for The District Theatre’s Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant — which fosters diverse artistic talent while increasing access to professional theatre training.
Rowley will now help to “strengthen IBTC’s artistic foundation, community engagement and financial sustainability,” according to a press release.
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In his new role at IBTC, Rowley will oversee the theater’s artistic direction, evaluate and refine programming for 2025 and work with the IBTC board, company and community to “build a sustainable and artistically vibrant future,” according to a press release.
Rowley’s immediate priorities as interim artistic director include:
- Strengthening fiscal and governance foundations to support long-term growth.
- Building deeper relationships with artists, audiences and community leaders.
- Restructuring the upcoming season and ensuring future productions align with IBTC’s mission and community impact goals.
As part of the strategic transition, the IBTC’s production of “Ain’t No Mo'” has been rescheduled to June 27-July 13, 2025. Following a comprehensive review of IBTC’s programing and community feedback, Rowley is also leading efforts to reschedule and curate the remainder of IBTC’s 2025 season.
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“IBTC is focused on telling Black stories that challenge, inspire, and unite audiences,” Rowley said in a statement. “As we move forward, my focus is on strengthening our foundations and deepening our connection to the community. My vision, in line with the board, is to elevate IBTC into a marquee theatre company for Black storytelling — one that sets the standard in Indianapolis and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Gladden and Dace are joining the IBTC board as the theater enters a “new chapter of strategic growth” following the recent resignations of Richard Trotman and Ira Mallory.
Gladden is the current vice chair of TDT Board and CEO of Good to the SOUL and brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of arts and activism in Indianapolis, including community engagement and faith-based leadership.
Dace, a well-respected educator and chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion at IU Indianapolis, brings crucial institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to Indianapolis’ cultural development, according to a press release.
“The IBTC Board is committed to building a strong foundation for the future, one that not only honors our rich history but also crafts a strategic plan for sustainability, growth and deeper community impact,” Farriss said in a statement. “We are confident that Rev. Gladden and Karen Dace will be instrumental in helping us achieve this vision.”
These additions to the IBTC’s leadership only aim to emphasize the organization’s dedication to artistic excellence, governance and fostering long-term partnerships in Indianapolis’ creative community.
For more information, visit indyblacktheater.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
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