Piper Fellow:
David J. Hemphill

Hemphill works in this field, locally and nationally, as African American theatre offers a major cultural phenomenon, often neglected, with its origins in social protest, and as a formal branch of theater arts.

Hemphill’s goal over the next four years is to position Black Theatre Troupe to be strong in each of its functions—production, programming, finance, operational systems, and, most importantly, leadership. Although leaving these functions in a great position is critical, it is even more critical that the company be left in the hands of a strong leader to ensure continued success and a viable future for the company. To that end, Hemphill’s Fellowship will focus on projects and activities that are vital to developing a succession plan that serves himself and Black Theatre Troupe.

Fellowship activities include site visits to several African American-run organizations that have or have had a founder leading the company. It is well documented that organizations in this position are extremely vulnerable to failure after the departure of these founding leaders. Hemphill plans to evaluate ideas on how these organizations are preparing for the leader’s retirement and whether or not they have developed a succession plan. He will also partner with a succession consultant.