The actor, singer and entrepreneur Napoleon Douglas is stepping into a new role at Pyramid Theatre Company. He became the company’s artistic director, taking over for Tiffany Johnson, who now works for Bravo Greater Des Moines.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to help revitalize the arts scene in Des Moines, especially in the Black community,” he said in a press release from the company, which focuses on plays written by well-known and emerging Black playwrights. “My experience abroad has helped me understand how effective arts programming can be not only for our community, but also for youth who have an interest in the arts and entertainment industry. Art heals, and I am looking forward to bringing healing to Des Moines through art by Pyramid Theatre Company.”
Douglas holds a bachelor’s degree in theater from Drake University and an M.B.A. from Southern New Hampshire University. His theater credits include performances across the country in “Dreamgirls,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Five Guys Named Moe,” to name just a few. In addition to his work with Pyramid, he also sings jazz at Noce and serves on various boards for various local organizations, including City Voices, which focuses on music education.
Johnson co-founded Pyramid in 2014 and has guided the company over the past decade, planning shows, running auditions, building and maintaining relationships with artists and patrons, and occasionally performing onstage. She believes Pyramid is meant to empower, change and encourage people through art, according to the press release.
The announcement also noted that Alexis Davis’s role has changed from managing director to producer.
