by: Mesgana Waiss, Mirror Indy
Posted: / Updated:
(MIRROR INDY) — The Indianapolis Black Theater Company has announced Tijideen “TJ” Rowley will serve as its interim artistic director.
This comes after Ben Rose, IBTC’s founding artistic director, resigned March 10 after being charged with strangulation and domestic battery.
Rowley, who holds theater degrees from IU Bloomington and Boise State University, will reschedule and curate the remainder of the 2025 season and work with IBTC’s actors and board.
The company has rescheduled its production of “Ain’t No Mo’” to June 27–July 13.
Rowley currently serves as director of training and development for The District Theatre’s Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant. In 2022, The District Theatre received a $350,000 grant from the foundation to create a training hub for Black theater artists.
IBTC is housed within The District Theatre and is an equity theater created in 2023 to assist and support Black artists in the theater industry.
“IBTC is focused on telling Black stories that challenge, inspire, and unite audiences. As we move forward, my focus is on strengthening our foundations and deepening our connection to the community,” Rowley said in a statement.
Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
