News

It is with mixed emotions that we announce Raleigh Little Theatre’s Artistic Director Patrick Torres will be leaving RLT to join Creative Action in Austin, Texas as their next Executive Director. 

Artistic Director Patrick Torres at the 2022 Cantey Awards. Photo by Cindy McEnery.

“Patrick has made such an impact in his time at RLT. Under his leadership, we have evolved in so many ways, including how we engage with our audiences, whose stories get told on our stages, and critically, how to tell human stories without causing harm to our community. More than simply an artistic director, Patrick was and is a community advocate, always identifying additional avenues to reach not just the theatergoer, but the (sometimes future) artist, the teacher, the volunteer, and the supporter. His impact will be felt in our community for years to come,” stated Natasha Gore, RLT Board President. 

Since coming to RLT in 2014, Patrick has made significant contributions to RLT and the entire Triangle theatre community. These contributions have been focused on creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces in theatre, as well as raising up stories about experiences and cultures that are underrepresented. In his tenure, he has brought important stories to the RLT stage, including The Mountaintop, Blood Done Sign My Name, Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, Memphis, Crowns, and Blood at the Root. He has also directed  many amazing shows including The Whipping Man, When She Had Wings, Perfect Arrangement, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and In the Heights, just to name a few. Patrick has worked to make the rehearsal spaces more inclusive for all artists by creating the RLT Theatre Standards and been steadfast in his drive to create educational opportunities that prioritize BIPOC and LBGTQIIA+ communities. 

“Raleigh Little Theatre has been an incredible creative home for me for the past eight years. I am proud of the work we accomplished as a community, and it has been an honor to be a part of an organization with such a long history. My life has been blessed by all of the volunteers, staff, audience members, and students I have worked with at this theatre. I believe through our efforts we have fulfilled the promise of theatre – to shrink the distance between us. I feel confident that RLT’s future is bright and it will remain a treasure in the Triangle for decades to come,” stated Torres.

Patrick will start in January at Creative Action, which is a nonprofit organization that uses the arts as a medium to inspire creativity, unlock potential, and transform the lives of students of all ages. His last day at RLT will be November 30, 2022. The RLT Board of Directors will be providing additional information about plans for the interim, as well as the search process for the next Artistic Director within the next several weeks. There will also be additional information soon about a celebration for Patrick and all he has accomplished during his time at RLT.