MISSION STATEMENT
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.
Additionally, the IBTC is committed to collaborating with Black cultural arts and entertainment organizations to share resources and promote collective upliftment. Through these efforts, IBTC aims to inspire broader cultural understanding and create a lasting impact within the community.
Ben Rose
Idella Renea Gates
Ira Mallory
Leon Williamson
Rich Trotman
Stephen Farris
Ben Rose
Founding Artistic Director
Idella Renea Gates
Board Member, Secretary
Idella Renea Gates brings a wealth of creativity, leadership, and passion to her role with the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company. As a dedicated advocate for the arts and community engagement, Idella is committed to fostering spaces where stories reflecting the richness and diversity of Black culture can be shared, celebrated, and preserved.
With over 20 years of experience in event planning and nonprofit leadership, Idella has honed her skills in bringing people together to support meaningful causes.
Idella’s connection to the arts is personal and professional. Her work with the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company reflects her belief in the transformative power of theater to educate, inspire, and bring communities together.
Idella’s dedication to amplifying Black voices and celebrating cultural heritage makes her a vital part of the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company’s mission to enrich lives through the arts.
Ira Mallory
Board Member, At Large
Leon Williamson
Board Member, At Large
Leon Williamson, recognized for his expertise in marketing and advertising, completed his studies at Florida Atlantic University with a B. A. Degree in Film and Media Studies. In 2006, Leon began his career as an Account Executive at Cox Media Group Miami. Six years later, he was recruited to Urban One Media St. Louis as a Local and Digital Sales Manager. While residing in St. Louis, he sat on the leadership committee of the 100 Black Men and was a board member of the Contemporary Art Museum. In 2017, he was recognized as one of St. Louis' Power 100 professionals. After ten years in radio advertising, Leon moved back to South Florida and pivoted to a career in film and media production.
Within a year, Leon rose to the title of Production Manager and eventually producer. In 2020, Leon decided to join iHeartMedia, he is currently the Market President for iHeartMedia Indianapolis and is responsible for bringing the Sista Strut breast cancer walk, for women and men of color, to the city of Indianapolis. In 2023, Leon was identified by Radio Ink magazine as one of Radio's 2023 African American Leaders and as a 2025 Champion for Diversity awardee from the Recorder Media Group.
Rich Trotman
Founding Board Member
Rich Trotman, a Founding Board Member of the Indianapolis Black Theater Company (IBTC), brings a unique blend of artistic vision and technological expertise to the stage.
A native of Indianapolis, Rich's passion for the arts blossomed at Broad Ripple High School, where he immersed himself in performing arts and humanities programs. This foundation led him to Ball State University, where he earned degrees in Music Technology (BM) and Music Composition (MM).
As a seasoned creative, entrepreneur, and technology executive with over a decade of experience in broadcast engineering, product development, and media production, Rich possesses a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape. He brings this knowledge to IBTC, championing innovative approaches to platforming artists.
Rich's commitment to IBTC stems from a desire to share his expertise and contribute to a thriving arts community that amplifies black and brown voices and stories. He is a dynamic and results-oriented leader who plays a crucial role in guiding IBTC towards a successful future.
Stephen Farris
Founding Board President
As the Founding President of the Indianapolis Black Theater Company (IBTC), Stephen is passionate about uplifting and celebrating Black voices through the arts. His journey into theater leadership began during a casual conversation with the President of The District Theater, where he mentioned his experience taking acting class in college. This sparked an invitation to join The District’s board and collaborate on founding a Black theater company. Inspired by the vision, Stephen eagerly took on the challenge and helped bring the IBTC to life.
Driven by a deep commitment to fostering Black storytelling and cultural expression, Stephen is a champion of the arts and the mission of the IBTC. He is dedicated to creating a platform that inspires, educates, and unites the community, through the power of Black theater.
Ben Rose
Idella Renea Gates
Ira Mallory
Leon Williamson
Rich Trotman
Stephen Farris
Ben Rose
Founding Artistic Director
Idella Renea Gates
Board Member, Secretary
Idella Renea Gates brings a wealth of creativity, leadership, and passion to her role with the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company. As a dedicated advocate for the arts and community engagement, Idella is committed to fostering spaces where stories reflecting the richness and diversity of Black culture can be shared, celebrated, and preserved.
With over 20 years of experience in event planning and nonprofit leadership, Idella has honed her skills in bringing people together to support meaningful causes.
Idella’s connection to the arts is personal and professional. Her work with the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company reflects her belief in the transformative power of theater to educate, inspire, and bring communities together.
Idella’s dedication to amplifying Black voices and celebrating cultural heritage makes her a vital part of the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company’s mission to enrich lives through the arts.
Ira Mallory
Board Member, At Large
Leon Williamson
Board Member, At Large
Leon Williamson, recognized for his expertise in marketing and advertising, completed his studies at Florida Atlantic University with a B. A. Degree in Film and Media Studies. In 2006, Leon began his career as an Account Executive at Cox Media Group Miami. Six years later, he was recruited to Urban One Media St. Louis as a Local and Digital Sales Manager. While residing in St. Louis, he sat on the leadership committee of the 100 Black Men and was a board member of the Contemporary Art Museum. In 2017, he was recognized as one of St. Louis' Power 100 professionals. After ten years in radio advertising, Leon moved back to South Florida and pivoted to a career in film and media production.
Within a year, Leon rose to the title of Production Manager and eventually producer. In 2020, Leon decided to join iHeartMedia, he is currently the Market President for iHeartMedia Indianapolis and is responsible for bringing the Sista Strut breast cancer walk, for women and men of color, to the city of Indianapolis. In 2023, Leon was identified by Radio Ink magazine as one of Radio's 2023 African American Leaders and as a 2025 Champion for Diversity awardee from the Recorder Media Group.
Rich Trotman
Founding Board Member
Rich Trotman, a Founding Board Member of the Indianapolis Black Theater Company (IBTC), brings a unique blend of artistic vision and technological expertise to the stage.
A native of Indianapolis, Rich's passion for the arts blossomed at Broad Ripple High School, where he immersed himself in performing arts and humanities programs. This foundation led him to Ball State University, where he earned degrees in Music Technology (BM) and Music Composition (MM).
As a seasoned creative, entrepreneur, and technology executive with over a decade of experience in broadcast engineering, product development, and media production, Rich possesses a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape. He brings this knowledge to IBTC, championing innovative approaches to platforming artists.
Rich's commitment to IBTC stems from a desire to share his expertise and contribute to a thriving arts community that amplifies black and brown voices and stories. He is a dynamic and results-oriented leader who plays a crucial role in guiding IBTC towards a successful future.
Stephen Farris
Founding Board President
As the Founding President of the Indianapolis Black Theater Company (IBTC), Stephen is passionate about uplifting and celebrating Black voices through the arts. His journey into theater leadership began during a casual conversation with the President of The District Theater, where he mentioned his experience taking acting class in college. This sparked an invitation to join The District’s board and collaborate on founding a Black theater company. Inspired by the vision, Stephen eagerly took on the challenge and helped bring the IBTC to life.
Driven by a deep commitment to fostering Black storytelling and cultural expression, Stephen is a champion of the arts and the mission of the IBTC. He is dedicated to creating a platform that inspires, educates, and unites the community, through the power of Black theater.