One of Nancy's final acts as Artistic Director was to choose her successors with fellow TST founders Nancy Renee and Nathaniel...
Towne Street Theater was founded 30 years ago by Nathaniel Bellamy, Nancy Renee and myself. Our goal was, and continues to be, to develop theater that heals and provides inspiration. As I near the final chapter of my life, and after much reflection and introspection, I have determined that the best way to keep the Towne Street Theatre legacy alive for the next 30 years is to hire longtime members Veronica McClelland and Sarah Allyn Bauer as our CEO and COO, respectively.
Nancy Renee, Nathaniel, and I feel this is the best strategy for our organization to move forward as a theater of color that incorporates all artists. Since our inception we have been known as L.A.’s premiere African American theatre company. As we continue to gain new members and be seen by more diverse audiences, we have come to realize that our message is universal regardless of skin color or creed. Our stories have always been told by diverse artists and always will be. Therefore, the continuation of TST’s legacy will be under the leadership of Veronica and Sarah who will be guided by cofounders Nathaniel Bellamy and Nancy Renee.
Towne Street has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Founded two years after I was born, Towne Street has been a home and a friend that I’ve gotten to grow up with. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to grow up in an environment where creativity was encouraged, talents were nourished and dreams were never diminished. I hope to keep this wonderful legacy alive for thirty more years to come.
- Veronica McClelland, CEO of Towne Street Theatre
When I first started working with TST in 2010 as a stage manager on Langston and Nicolás, I never imagined I would have found a family of artists that encouraged me to grow as both an artist and a person. The legacy that Nancy, Nancy Renee and Nathaniel have created has been with me from that very first show and I look forward to continuing the mission they started back in 1993: Art Heals. It is my honor to continue this legacy with Veronica and all the members of Towne Street for the next 30 years.
- Sarah Allyn Bauer, COO of Towne Street Theatre