Black Theatre Coalition (BTC) has named Tom Andre Bardwell as its new program director. Bardwell steps in for Nik Whitcomb, who previously held the position.
In their first year, BTC programs placed BIPOC theater professionals in crucial positions across Broadway. As program director, Bardwell will expand BTC’s offerings, lead the search and hiring process for the Coalition’s placements in the industry and develop relationships with participants, partners and other stakeholders.
Bardwell joins BTC after having contributed to work at Ensemble Studio Theatre, Intiman Theatre, ACT Theatre, School’s Out Washington and the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth. He also is a member of the 2022-2023 cohort of artEquity’s BIPOC Leadership Circle.
BTC is led by co-founders T. Oliver Reid, Warren Adams and Reginald “Reggie” Van Lee, along with executive director Olivia Jones. The organization aims to increase employment opportunities for BIPOC professionals in the theater industry, specifically in offstage careers.
“As Black Theatre Coalition continues to grow and expand our reach for Black professionals in the American theater, we feel truly fortunate to have such an insightful and caring human being joining our team as program director,” the BTC founders said in a joint statement. “Tom Andre’s knowledge and, already apparent, care for our fellows is inspiring and will be a guiding force with each of our partners as well as our fellows and apprentices.”
