The Black Repertory Theatre

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, communities, and beyond. Each production has gives life to neglected stories, virtually untold in American theaters. 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. 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 theater is what gave birth to this company. Theater is often the home base for those who are frequently marginalized, yet for blacks, this is hardly the case. Without these stories, theater 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, fears and triumphs within the lives of African Americans.​

The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City equally focuses on education and the inclusion of black youths in theatre.

BRTKC began 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 choose additional schools throughout the Kansas City Metro area - 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 Founder,
Damron Armstrong

Mr. Armstrong has been a fixture in KC Theater for quite some time, and serves as the Artistic Director. In this video, Damron speaks about growing up in Kansas City, the impact of The Black Rep and what he hopes to see from other theaters in the near future!

  • Damron Russel Armstrong is a producer/director/actor who spent his formative years right here in Kansas City and has performed on most of the stages Kansas City has to offer. He's been a familiar fixture at The Unicorn Theatre, The Coterie Theatre, Theatre for Young America, The American Heartland Theatre, The Living Room Theatre, Chestnut Fine Arts Center, New Theatre Restaurant, and Kansas City Actors Theatre.

    After graduating from Ruskin High School, Damron sought to further his education in New York, where he received the best education of life. The practical application of that knowledge is working on the professional stage. He has performed nationally in A Raisin in the Sun (Arizona Theatre Co.); The Full Monty (Show Palace, FL); Children of Eden (Papermill Playhouse NJ); and Dreamgirls (The Palace, NH) - just to name a few. As a Director, his credits also range from local to international, including Three Guys Naked from the Waist Down...A Comedy (TANSTAAFL, KC); Assassins (The Barn, KS); and Red Hot and Jazz (Piza Festival, Guatemala).

    Embarking on this new adventure in his career as Executive Artistic Director of The Black Repertory Theatre is met with joy and excitement. The idea of giving back to his community is the reason for this journey. "I hope you will join us on this adventure!"

Accessibility & Acknowledgment

  • Here at The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, it's important to us to provide all people with universal access to all of our programming. Let us know if you have any accommodation requests - we're happy to help!

  • We acknowledge that The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City is on unceded land. We acknowledge the 98 tribal groups from our area, including the Kickapoo, Kansa, Osage, Otos, Missouri, Pottawatomie, Sioux, Shawnee, and Wyandot tribes. We honor their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. This acknowledgement is part of our commitment to beginning the process of working to dismantle the ongoing legacies of settler colonialism. This also serves as a reminder of our commitment to continuing to learn the stories of these people as well as how to be better stewards of the land that we inhabit.

Our Board of Directors
and Advisors

Tracy E. Jamerson - President
Kenneth Powell - Treasurer
Jeff Williams - Secretary
Dr.Everlyn Williams - Education Chair
Amy Hull - Volunteer Chair
Damron Armstrong - Executive Artistic Director
Mary Shannon - Corporate Liaison
Shontrice Patillo, City of Kansas City
Courtney Williams, Evergy
Jauqua Preston Wilkins, Oracle
Dr. Derald Davis, Deputy Superintendent, KC Public Schools
Dr. Adrianna Marshall, KCPS

Advisory Board

Damon Lewis, Hallmark Cards
Verdis Green, Kiewit
Janice Small, Honeywell
Dr. Chris McCoy - Lawrence Theatre Company
S. Sloane Simmons - A Store Named Stuff
Victoria Barbee, JAB Jewels Children's Theatre
Actively Recruiting new Advisory Board Members

Interested in joining our Board of Directors or Advisors? Download and complete the application. Please email completed applications to Tracy at tracy@brtkc.org.