Pictured: TaRon Patton

Congo Square Theatre Company has announced that Executive Director TaRon Patton will step down from her position at the end month, a position she has held since 2015.

“I was privileged to become an Ensemble member as Congo Square rose to become a prominent African-American theater company,” comments Patton. I’ve always believed Congo Square to be a beacon of success for African-American theatre, and I feel like I’ve contributed to the growth of our local and national brand under my leadership. I’ve learned so much about the landscape of American theater, and I’m leaving while Congo Square is strong and successful to continue to be an artistic role model and to use what I’ve learned to assist in the fight for equity for African-American artists. I’ve fought hard to make sure that there is room for growth at Congo Square, but now it is time for new insight for the organization. I agree with Kwame Kwei-Armah, when he said, you always want to leave an institution when it’s on the rise and soaring in glory.”

During her 4-year term, Patton overcame a multi-year deficit, created a cash reserve by raising over $750,000, and increased individual donors by 85%. Additionally, she mounted a three-city East Coast tour of Kelvin Roston, Jr.’s “Twisted Melodies” and was the driving force behind the current partnership with eta Creative Arts Foundation. Patton is a two-time recipient of the American Theater Wing’s Innovation Award.

A search for an interim Executive Director followed by a permanent replacement is currently underway.