An Indianapolis native, Tijideen Rowley is a dynamic theater artist, educator, and filmmaker with a passion for storytelling that uplifts, educates, and empowers communities. With a Bachelor’s degree in Theater & Drama and African Diaspora Studies from Indiana University, a degree in Biblical Counseling, and an MBA, Tijideen blends his artistic expertise with a deep commitment to personal and community development. His career spans acting, directing, writing, and teaching, with over 200 actors trained for both stage and film under the name Actor’s Café Acting Class. As the founder of Tijideen Rowley Productions LLC, he has written and directed six feature films, multiple web series, and a wide range of short films and stage productions. His work extends beyond his own productions—he has directed projects for other companies and helped bring numerous community stories to life on stage and screen. At The District Theatre, Tijideen led the Black Light Training and Development program, a three-year initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation. This program trained over 120 students in acting, directing, playwriting, technical theater, dance, and musical theater, while producing five powerful staged productions with 15 sold-out performances—highlighting the rich history of Indiana Avenue and the effects of gentrification on the community. As the Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Black Theatre Company, Tijideen is committed to using theater as a transformative force. He believes in the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and create lasting change. Through his leadership, he aims to elevate Black voices in the arts, unify communities, and ensure that theater remains a vital tool for education, empowerment, cultural expression, and change.