KC Q&A: Meet Damron Armstrong, founder of the Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City

Editor’s note: This interview is part of a Kansas City Star project created to highlight the experiences of Kansas Citians from historically under-represented communities in an effort to share their stories, including their impact on their community and the overall city, with readers. The Star will showcase these voices regularly through a series of interviews we will publish as part of our ongoing efforts to improve coverage of our communities. Do you know someone who we should write about? Send your ideas to jbanks@kcstar.com

As Damron Armstrong, founder and executive artistic director for The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City, wraps up another busy day filled with meetings and rehearsals, he still manages to keep a smile on his face. After spending years on the stage in New York, Armstrong returned to Kansas City to create a platform where the voices of Black actors in the metro are amplified. Though not originally from Kansas City, he considers this town his home and he, along with the theater company, are gearing up for their ninth season.

The Kansas City Star’s culture and identity reporter, J.M. Banks, sat down at a local coffee shop with Armstrong to learn more about his life and work here. That interview, with minor editing for space and clarity, is published here in a question and answer format to share Armstrong’s authentic voice.

Banks: Can you tell me about your upbringing and early life and what influenced your decision to pursue theater?

Armstrong: I was born in Windsor, North Carolina, and my family moved here so my father could play for the Chiefs. I got the acting bug early. My sister was a debutante and as a part of her talent, she performed “Scratch,” I believe that is the name of the piece, and from that moment I knew that I wanted to be a performer. Acting has been the only thing that I’ve done. Well, the arts have been the main job in my life whether that was as an actor, performer or dancer, singer, director or choreographer. It’s always been something connected with the arts.

How did the Black Repertory Theater get its start?

I was living in New York City, where of course there’s all this African American-based theater and arts that did not exist in Kansas City 10 years ago. There wasn’t any real platform for African American voices in Kansas City and instead of just joining any of the many companies in New York I thought that where it was really needed was back in the Midwest. So, I said I was going to come home and start my own company.

Can you explain what your position as executive artistic director entails?

It is all the directing and artsy parts of the theater. So, choosing the design team, having a vision for the show, what costumes look like. It is my job to give voice to what the theme or idea of the show is and always being at the helm artistically.

What’s the most fulfilling part of the job?

Introducing new works to Kansas City, whether that is “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” which was just on Broadway, and we were fortunate to get a hold of that property. At a student matinee to hear two guys say maybe we should get into theater to me is just amazing and that’s the transformative nature of theater.

What are some of the key milestones in your career or personal journey?

The hugest one is still founding this company. I have had a very successful acting career and directed all over the country. The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City is what people will remember me for and say about me in the obits.

What challenges have you faced in pursuing your goals and how do you overcome these challenges?

Funding. It is always funding. That is number one. We have some really great organizations here in Kansas City that have been supportive of me since the beginning. But it’s getting other organizations to understand the importance of what this theater company is and to continue to back it so it continues to grow so it is here long after I am gone.

How does The Black Repertory Theater impact the community?

It’s important to be seen and heard and I think without having a platform to express your triumphs and failures, hopes and sorrows we don’t know each other. I think presenting these authentically Black stories shows the difference but also how we are familiar as human beings.

Are you involved in any community activities or initiatives?

We have our In School Empowerment Program and also more recently the Young Actors Summer Conservatory. In the past we have done it at the Gem Theater. It is a four-week boot camp for kids 4 to 17. They have classes in drama, music, dance, set design and costume design. On the final night the public is invited to see their work.

Do you have a personal motto or philosophy that guides you?

There are more stories that can be told than exist in the month of February. Because it is interesting that in the past theaters would do African American theater in the month of February because it is Black history month. Being Black 365 days a year there should always be something available for me to see me.

What are your goals for the future, professionally or personally?

I would love to see the company taken over by somebody else and see where they take the company. Until then just continue to bring innovative work to Kansas City and with the connections we are making with our New York partners we are able to bring shows that have never been seen in Kansas City.

How do you see yourself contributing to your field or community in the years to come?

We want to be able to engage the public in a way that they feel that there are opportunities in Kansas City for actors of all races. The Black Repertory Theater wants to be the beacon for them to work and thrive in this city.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to follow a similar path?

Stay true to your dreams and with assistance anything is possible. You really want to have a team behind you so you aren’t the only one pushing it up hill. Be ready to articulate what your passion is so it lights the fire in others to get your endeavors off the ground. There are so many things that happen behind the scenes and you need that support. You have to understand the necessity of planning.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I think there should be a Hispanic theater of Kansas City and an Asian theater in Kansas City. We have all those people here in town and while I was living in New York I got to see those different types of theaters and it is amazing.