Plan B Theatre Company is a non-profit theater organization located in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a professional company, they specialize in producing original plays by local playwrights that examine various social and political issues within the state and beyond. Founded in 1991, Plan B has been dedicated to increasing theater awareness and developing talent through writing, directing and acting for over 30 years.
Theater has always played a significant role in reflecting society and entertaining people by bringing them closer to the reality of the world around them, and Plan B Theatre Company does just that. In their deep blue theatre space, popularly known as "The Rose," the company aims to engage the community on matters that affect us as humans, often unaccompanied by any governmental agenda or topic of political bias.
Plan B's productions push boundaries by addressing sensitive themes centered on identity politics, social responsibility, tolerance, and modern-day issues such as racism, police brutality, migrant crises, the #MeToo movement among others. By manufacturing thought-provoking plays that consistently challenge conservative narratives while also creating new ideas concerning topics that aren't discussed enough in mainstream media outlets, Plan B seeks to create a safe space for diverse communities to share experiences and perhaps also gain fresh perspectives.
In addition to developing original work, Plan B also hosts an annual Festival of New Plays, where readership public events are held for local playwrights to showcase their emerging talents and engage in critical analysis with fellow artists and the general public. The festival provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring playwrights to hone their craft and offers audiences an insight into some of the stories and voices currently emerging from Utah’s rich theatrical scene that may not otherwise see the light of day.
Furthermore, Plan B offers extensive arts education outreach programs throughout the year, reaching over 40 schools and thousands of students each season. These programs teach theater techniques, playwriting, and performance training in underserved areas and underfunded schools; thus, fostering talent development even in schools with the scarce arts program.
In conclusion, Plan B Theatre Company is doing an outstanding job creating contemporary works that are relevant and reflective of today's world. They have established themselves as a significant influence on Utah's cultural scene, pushing boundaries by addressing critical social issues and offering new perspectives on traditional narratives. The company, under the guidance of Jerry Rapier, has prioritized diverse voices and provided opportunities for underrepresented communities to share their stories - a remarkable feature in today's world. So, if you’re ever in Salt Lake City, be sure to check out one of Plan B's productions, you're bound to leave feeling inspired and motivated towards improving society.