The Indianapolis Black Theater Company is a resident theater company housed within The District Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana. With a goal of supporting the growing Black Theater Community, the District mounted a capital campaign under the leadership of then Central Indiana Community Foundation president Brian Payne to garner funds to launch a resident theater company with matching funds from the Lilly Endowment.
In October of 2023 after a local and national search, Ben Rose was named the Founding Artistic Director. Rose has a vision to occupy the contemporary theater space and expand the boundaries beyond Indianapolis audiences to Black communities spread throughout the state of Indiana. IBTC is currently launching an annual national Black playwriting contest with aspirations to produce the winning authors’ work each following season. IBTC also has plans in 2025 to host an annual Black Solos Festival while producing 2-3 plays annually.
The primary mission of the Indianapolis Black Theater Company is to produce contemporary narratives of Black Americans and their experiences.
The IBTC also seeks to foster growth and assist in the support and advancement of Black Professionals in the arts and entertainment industry.
The IBTC is also committed to collaborating with Black Cultural Arts and Entertainment Organizations for the purpose of shared resources and collective upliftment.
The Indianapolis Black Theater Company is a resident theater company housed within The District Theater in Indianapolis, Indiana. With a goal of supporting the growing Black Theater Community, the District mounted a capital campaign under the leadership of then Central Indiana Community Foundation president Brian Payne to garner funds to launch a resident theater company with matching funds from the Lilly Endowment.
IBTC is currently launching an annual national Black playwriting contest with aspirations to produce the winning authors’ work each following season. IBTC also has plans in 2025 to host an annual Black Solos Festival while producing 2-3 plays annually.