Josiah McCruiston is the executive director of Indianapolis’s First Black Equity Theatre, a regional actor, teaching artist, and youth pastor/director who believes in the power of the creative spirit. He has performed across the nation, has worked in museum theatre (Indiana Historical Society, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, & Connor Prairie ), and has worked in arts education for over eight years. He is currently working on a master's in art education at IUPUI. He has worked as the program director and youth pastor of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church where he also worked with the legacy of Dr.  Mary Etta Rose and Judge Denise K. LaRue. He believes in community partnerships and the responsibility to develop a brave space for all people to inhabit. Through the years, he has created art programming for Indianapolis's near-west and east sides with free piano lessons and visual artist programs. In both programs, students were able to work under accomplished artists, bond with a cohort of their peers, and showcase their work to their community. He roots his work in the memory of The McArthur Conservatory (1964-1963)  and other Black Arts movements across the nation. He is currently working on a mixed performance showcase that tells the story of Black Theatre, Faith, and Community.