A Strategic Path Forward
The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City (BRTKC) is stepping into a powerful new chapter, one rooted in our rich history and inspired by the limitless possibilities ahead. As we navigate a leadership transition following the resignation of our Founder and Artistic Director, we are embracing this moment as an opportunity to strengthen our foundation, expand our impact, and reimagine what is possible for the future of our organization and the communities we serve.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Christopher Peacock, in partnership with Board President Tracy E. Jamerson, the Board of Directors, and the Advisory Board, BRTKC is moving forward with clarity, purpose, and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable organization centered on artistic innovation, educational opportunity, community engagement, financial stewardship, and collaborative partnerships.
This next chapter is about more than preserving a legacy. It is about creating a new one. We are intentionally investing in the systems, leadership structures, and relationships that will ensure BRTKC continues to thrive for generations to come. By embracing shared leadership, strengthening governance, and enhancing organizational capacity, we are re-building a theatre company that is resilient, inclusive, accountable, and positioned for long-term success.
At the heart of our work is a belief in the transformative power of the arts. Through programs like the RISE - Rising Innovators, Storytellers and Emerging Leaders and the Young Actors Summer Conservatory (YASC), our plan is to focus on these programs to empower young people to discover their voices, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and life skills that unlock their full potential. These programs do more than create artists. They help cultivate future performers, leaders, innovators, and changemakers prepared to succeed in school, careers, and life – in front of and behind the curtain.
We also believe that theatre has the power to unite people, inspire dialogue, and strengthen communities. Through meaningful community engagement and partnerships with schools, cultural institutions, civic organizations, and businesses, we are creating spaces where people can connect, learn, grow, and see themselves reflected in powerful stories. Our commitment is not simply to present performances, but to foster belonging, understanding, inclusiveness and lasting community impact.
Artistically, BRTKC remains dedicated to producing bold, relevant, and high-quality theatre that celebrates the richness of all cultures and the diversity of human experience. As we strengthen our production processes and deepen our connection to audiences, we are committed to delivering work that entertains, challenges, inspires, and transforms.
As we continue this journey, we are also strengthening the organizational infrastructure that supports our mission. Through strategic planning, diversified funding, stronger operational systems, and enhanced accountability, we are laying the groundwork for a future that is both ambitious and sustainable. Every step we take is guided by our responsibility to serve our community with excellence and integrity.
The future of BRTKC is filled with possibilities. It is a future where more young people discover their potential, where more stories are brought to life, where deeper community connections are forged, and where the arts continue to be a catalyst for education, empowerment, and transformation.
This is more than a transition. It is a time of transformation. As we build the future of the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, we are calling on our donors, sponsors, artists, educators, volunteers, community partners and patrons to stand with us and invest in what comes next.
The decisions we make and the partnerships we form today will determine the opportunities we create tomorrow.
Join us now as a partner, donor, sponsor, volunteer, or advocate. Together, we can ensure that the power of theatre, arts education, and community engagement continues to uplift, empower, and inspire generations to come.
The future is ours to build, but the time to act is now. Stay connected as we share new developments, celebrate progress, and continue building a stronger Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City for generations to come.
The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City Announces Leadership Transition
The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City has announced that Founder and Artistic Director Damron R. Armstrong will step down effective August 31, 2026, concluding a decade of visionary leadership that helped establish BRTKC as a leading voice for Black theatre in the Kansas City region.
The Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive transition process to ensure continuity of operations while evaluating the organization's future artistic direction and strategic priorities. BRTKC remains committed to its mission of amplifying Black voices, serving the community through exceptional theatrical experiences, and building on the strong foundation established over the past ten years.
Read the full press release to learn more about the leadership transition, next steps, and the future of The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City.
Every Donation Makes a Difference.
For the past decade, the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City has amplified Black voices, preserved important stories, and created transformative theatrical experiences for the Kansas City community.
Today, recent reductions in arts funding have created a significant financial gap that threatens essential operations, including performance space, artist support, productions, and community programming.
BRTKC is more than a theater company. It is a platform for Black artists, a steward of culture and history, and a space for education, dialogue, and inspiration through the arts.
Your support helps us continue serving Kansas City with powerful, culturally relevant theater and ensures these stories continue to be told.
We're thrilled to celebrate a milestone moment - ten powerful years of storytelling, artistry and community.
This year's theme - A Decade of Drama: Celebrating Ten Years of Storytelling
Since our founding, we've proudly amplified Black voices and experiences through bold, compelling theatre that inspires, educates, and entertains. This season, we honor our journey, the artists who've brought our stories to life, and the audiences who've walked beside us.
Join us as we look back with gratitude, move forward with purpose, and continue to shine a light on the richness and depth of Black culture through the transformative power of the state.
Welcome to the celebration!
In the Spotlight!
Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City Appoints
Christopher J. Peacock as Inaugural Executive Director
Kansas City, MO — The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City (BRTKC) proudly announces the appointment of Christopher J. Peacock as its first Executive Director. A visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, Christopher will guide the Theatre through its next chapter of growth, resilience, and artistic excellence.j
DALE RICARDO SHIELDS, PEARL CLEAGE AND THE BLACK REPERTORY THEATRE OF KANSAS CITY TO RECEIVE PAUL ROBESON AWARDS
New York -– Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, and the Actors’ Equity Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization supporting the professional theatre community, jointly announced the Paul Robeson Award will be bestowed on Dale Ricardo Shields for 2021, Pearl Cleage for 2022 and The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City for 2023.
A theatre designed to impact the Kansas City community by telling stories of the black experience.
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The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City (BRTKC) is a not-for-profit organization designed to impact the Kansas City community. This production company utilizes theatre productions, and educational programming to enhance the contributions made by minorities in our neighborhoods and communities and beyond. Each production has been tasked to give life to the neglected stories, virtually untold in American theatres. In an effort to bridge the gap between the rich realities of black experiences and the incomplete depiction displayed in most media outlets, BRTKC tells the tales of the unsung.
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BRTKC recognizes that only through shared experiences and true depictions can we come together as one strong community. Both the lack of stories told via minority perspectives and the presence of minorities in Kansas City theatre is what gave birth to this company. Theatre is often the home base for those who are frequently marginalized, yet for blacks, this is hardly the case. Without these stories, theatre is incomplete - missing huge portions of truth. BRTKC knows that understanding comes from mutual experiences, and through these productions, the entire community can appreciate and participate in the success and losses, happiness and sorrow, and fears and triumphs within the lives of African Americans.​
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The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City equally focuses on education and the inclusion of black youths in theatre. BRTKC has begun to take its educational programming with Ruskin High School and Hickman Mills Freshman Center with the first phase engaging students through playwriting. We seek to pick additional schools throughout the Kansas City Metro area schools - implementing scholarships, internships, and mentorships. BRTKC is inspiring students and youths by helping them to see all the choices and opportunities found within theatre and beyond.
Our mission.
Our vision.
Mission Statement:
The mission of The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City is to educate and inspire our community by presenting and promoting appreciation for African-American culture through our stories.
Vision Statement:
The vision of The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City is a united community embracing stories of the African-American experience.
Our Partners.
Make a donation.
The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City cannot exist without donations from generous individuals and corporate sponsors. Ticket prices cover only a small portion of the cost of creating live theatre. Please click the button below and make a tax-deductible donation to help us fulfill our mission. If you would rather make a donation by check, please make your check payable to BRTKC (or The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City) and mail it to PO Box 410294, Kansas City, MO 64141
