The following is an interview with Veronica McClelland (CEO, Towne Street Theatre) and Sarah Allyn Bauer (COO, Towne Street Theatre) regarding their plans for the future of Los Angeles’ premiere African American theatre.  In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with McClelland and Bauer about maintaining the theatre’s legacy in light of its 30-year history, their plans for TST’s upcoming slate of productions, and more!

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Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Last year was a milestone year for Towne Street Theatre (TST), as the community celebrated its 30th anniversary; however, the community also mourned the loss of its co-founder Nancy Davis Bellamy. As you begin a new chapter in the theatre’s history, what do you hope to honor from its legacy?

Sarah Allyn Bauer: For a theatre company to reach 30+ years is always exciting, but many times companies close shortly after the founder passes away. But because Nancy Cheryll Davis Bellamy, Nancy Renee, and Nathaniel Bellamy fostered such a great sense of community at Towne Street, the work will continue. No one wants to stop, we all want to honor the work that she started. 

Veronica McClelland: Towne Street Theatre has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. Nancy was my aunt, so she was a part of my life for even longer. Looking back on past productions, I can clearly see that TST has a certain style – creating work that is timeless, exploratory, and fearless.  I can hear my aunt’s voice woven through the tapestry of Towne Street. As we move forward, I think that we can honor Nancy’s legacy by keeping her voice and vision at the forefront of our decision making.

BD: You have both long been part of Towne Street Theatre’s history. Why do you feel that this organization is such a vital and beneficial part of Los Angeles’ community?

SAB: There are so many stories in the world that need to be told, and Towne Street has always strived to tell those that are not talked about often, or from a point of view that is rarely examined. Los Angeles has such a diverse population, and TST reflects that on our stage. 

VM: I agree with Sarah that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The community we’ve created is one that offers an environment for artists to thrive and grow; a safe place for artistic expression and exploration. Nancy Renee, Nathaniel Bellamy, and Nancy Davis Bellamy always lifted artists up, and I think that’s why our organization has become such a vital and beneficial asset to the community.  

BD: What are you most excited for audiences to experience with the 2025 production slate?

SAB: We are so excited to present IN RESPONSE 2025: RISE UP. We are currently reading all of the play submissions. This series is special because all the work comes from the community. There’s no requirement to be a published writer. We just choose the pieces that speak to us. 

VM: I’m really excited about returning to an in-person production of In Response. The last few iterations were online because of COVID. When the three Ns (Nancy, Nancy, and Nathaniel) first created the concept of In Response, the focus was on community engagement, healing, and expression. This year we will be adding new mediums for artistic expression, and I’m looking forward to facilitating dialogue within our community. 

BD: Likewise, as you look ahead to the next 30 years, what are you eager to tackle in terms of new productions or initiatives?

SAB: We’d like to bring back some of TST’s historical initiatives, such as the Black Classics Series, the Kids Camp, and more. While funding is always an issue for nonprofit theatres, in Los Angeles it’s more relevant now that Equity and the State of California require actors and stage managers to be paid hourly. LA has one of the highest minimum wages in the state and country. So, in the next few years, we want to make sure that TST is in a financially stable position to allow us to produce multiple productions each year.

VM: I’m looking forward to our Staged Reading Series the most. It is our hope that this will become a mainstay of TST programming because it helps our community of artists to explore ideas in a safe and welcoming environment. I also love how the series promotes a direct dialogue between audience and writers. 

BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?

SAB: In 2026 we will be hosting our 13th Annual 10-Minute Play and Film Festival. Veronica and I have started bouncing theme ideas around. More on that soon!

VM: I’m also looking forward to developing new learning workshops for artists that will expand the skills of our membership and the artistic community..   

BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to learn more information about Towne Street Theatre?

VM & SAB: Our website! townestreetla.org, or on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.