Our Story
People Productions has been Utah's premier African American themed theater, bringing powerful stories to the stage in Salt Lake City since its founding. As a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2006 and a member of the Utah Non-Profits Association, we have dedicated ourselves to celebrating African American voices through live performance.
From August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at the Sugar Space Arts Warehouse to original adaptations like An Urban Carol, our productions reflect a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement. Over the years we have marked milestones — 12 years of African-American Theater in Salt Lake City in 2011, and 13 years in the seasons that followed.
Explore Our History
People Productions emerged from a recognized need for dedicated African American storytelling on Utah stages. Founded in Salt Lake City as a nonprofit organization, the company began with a mission to amplify Black voices and experiences through live theater. Early productions focused on works by celebrated Black playwrights, offering audiences stories that had been historically underrepresented in the region. The company quickly became a cultural touchstone, drawing diverse audiences who craved authentic narratives exploring heritage, struggle, and triumph. From intimate staged readings to full-scale productions, each show was carefully chosen to foster understanding and community connection. This commitment to representation and artistic excellence laid a strong foundation, allowing the organization to grow steadily while remaining deeply rooted in its original purpose.
Over the years, the company has built meaningful partnerships across the Salt Lake Valley, collaborating with other arts organizations, community groups, and educational institutions. These alliances have expanded the reach of its programming, making African American theater more accessible to wider audiences. The organization has also developed educational initiatives that go beyond the stage, including workshops and talkback sessions that encourage dialogue about race, history, and the creative process. By creating spaces where difficult conversations can happen through art, People Productions has strengthened its role as both a theatrical presenter and a community builder. This holistic approach to the arts ensures that the impact of each production extends well beyond the final curtain call.
Looking ahead, People Productions continues to honor its founding vision while embracing new creative possibilities. The company remains dedicated to producing works that reflect the richness and complexity of the African American experience, from classic plays to contemporary pieces and original adaptations. Each season is carefully curated to balance beloved works with fresh voices that challenge and inspire. As the organization moves forward, it seeks to deepen its engagement with both longtime supporters and new audiences, ensuring that the stories it tells remain relevant and resonant. The theater's ongoing presence serves as a testament to the enduring power of diverse storytelling and its ability to unite communities through shared artistic experience.