The Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC) is one of four professional theatre companies in Utah, and the only fully professional theatre in Salt Lake City, contracting with union members belonging to Actors' Equity Association (AEA), Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and United Scenic Artists (USA829). PTC was formed in 1962 and performs at the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre on the Univer
- Venue
- Pioneer Theatre Company
- Town
- Utah, US
The Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC) is one of four professional theatre companies in Utah, and the only fully professional theatre in Salt Lake City, contracting with union members belonging to Actors' Equity Association (AEA), Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and United Scenic Artists (USA829). PTC was formed in 1962 and performs at the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City. The non-profit company produces seven plays each season, running from September to May, including classics, musicals, dramas, and comedies. The company creates its own productions on site, including costumes and scenery, while sometimes using actors and directors from out-of-state. Among a number of premieres, the company produced the nation's first regional premiere of Les Misérables in 2007, giving 82 sold out performances. Though PTC performs on the University of Utah campus, the company operates independently and receives no direct funding from the university. The company is a non-profit organization, with 35% of its budget coming from donors, sponsors, and government support. The company is led by acting managing director Diane Parisi and artistic director Karen Azenberg. The company operates on a League of Resident Theatres contract with the Actors' Equity Association. Pioneer Theatre Company performs at the Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, located on the west side of the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. Construction of the theatre building started with a groundbreaking on July 1, 1960, and its architecture was designed to be reminiscent of the historic Salt Lake Theatre once located in the city's downtown. The completed building was opened and dedicated on October 10, 1962, with a production of Hamlet. The Pioneer Memorial Theatre name was prepended in the 1990s in honor of Roy W. and Elizabeth "Tibby" Simmons, who provided a large donation allowing for expansion of the structure. Roy W