Damron R. Armstrong (photo by Jim Barcus)
Damron R. Armstrong, artistic director and founder of the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, has resigned from the organization. Whether the company moves forward with a 2026-27 season is unclear.
Armstrong’s resignation was to take effect Aug. 31, according to a formal announcement issued in late July.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to build and lead (the organization),” Armstrong said in an official statement released by the theater company. “I am deeply proud of the work we have created, the artists we have supported, and the community we have served. I look forward to seeing BIPOC arts continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead, continuing to elevate the rich buffet of arts which exist in the Greater Kansas City area.”
According to the announcement, a transition team consisting of board and advisory board members, advisors and key stakeholders will “work closely with Armstrong and Executive Director Christopher Peacock to maintain continuity of operations, support current programming, preserve institutional knowledge, and evaluate future artistic opportunities.”
Founded in 2016, the Black Rep is the resident theater company in the historic Boone Theater in the 18th and Vine district. The theater has been renovated for a reported $8.7 million. According to www.boonetheaterkc.com, the building also houses the Black Movie Hall of Fame, Parson & Associates (a public relations firm), the Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation, and Benton, Lloyd & Chung (a minority owned law firm).
A 2026-27 season was uncertain.
“A comprehensive review of … organizational needs, artistic priorities and future programming will take place in the coming weeks,” the statement read. “At this time, no decisions have been made regarding Season 11. Show recommendations and programming options will be carefully evaluated alongside the budgetary and operational resources required to support future productions.”
In the statement, Peacock expressed gratitude to audiences, supporters and community partners.
“As we move through this transition, we are focused not on what is ending, but on the possibilities ahead,” he said.
