Larry Leon Hamlin (September 25, 1948 – June 6, 2007) was the founder and artistic director of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company as well as the founder and executive director of the National Black Theatre Festival.
[2] Born in Reidsville, North Carolina, Hamlin was a lover of theatre from an early age.
[3] During his studies at Brown, Hamlin was called back to North Carolina for a family emergency.
[3] After the matter was resolved, Hamlin remained in Winston-Salem and established the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, the first local black theatre organization in the state.
[5] Hamlin died at his home in Pfafftown, North Carolina following an extended illness.