People Productions is introducing a new Summer Arts Training Program designed for youth between the ages of 9-18.  We have partnered with several Title I schools that include Mountain View Elementary, which was the first school to participate in our first round of auditions.  Let's just say that the competition was not only fierce, but outstanding!  We had a number of students who auditioned in the categories of Dance, Acting, Singing and Storytelling.  Jackson Elementary was next on our list and those students demonstrated some incredibly engaging and passionate auditions during our visit.  Glendale Middle School students came prepared in FULL FORCE.  We saw some strong talent that ranged from dance to singing.  And last, but certainly NOT least, was Northwest Middle School.  The students who participated in our last round of audtitions came out STRONG!  They certainly showed us an incredible range of talent and great sportsmanship.  

Beginning the week of May 14th, People Productions will be distributing  CALLBACK letters to selected students.  CALLBACKS will not guarantee a spot into the program, but rather, a second evaluation of a student's potential.   Paying attention to detail and instruction will also be observed during the process.  Good luck to all of our participating students!

Thank you to all of our partnering schools!  We look forward to our program this summer and seeing you again next spring!  

For further information about our new and exciting program, please go to the Program Tab and click on  Summer Training Program.  You may also email us at peopleproductions.ut@gmail.com for additional information.

 It is hard to believe that over a year ago People Productions presented Richard Wesley's The Talented Tenth (Directed by Richard Scharine) at the University of Utah's Studio 115. 

(Insert-Cast of The Talented Tenth and Richard Scharine; second from right).

That following summer, People Productions presented Lynn Nottage's critically acclaimed play, Ruined (Also Directed by Richard Scharine) which received rave reviews from the Salt Lake Tribune as well as a growing number of audience viewership.  Although Richard Scharine is no longer acting as the Artistic Director for People Productions, his previous assurance to the organization will always be a reminder of just how profoundly dedicated the human spirit can be.  We would like to say THANK YOU again to Richard for his endless commitment and passion to People Productions.  We will continue to celebrate both you and Edward's spirit in the many years to come.  Thank you for supporting the African-American community in Salt Lake City for the past 11 years.

We would also like to thank Linda Moon and everyone who has supported People Productions over the last 11 years.  We graciously thank all of the actors who have performed in our productions as well as those who donated their time and effort in the areas of Technical design, set and sound.  THANK YOU again!!  Here's to another great 11 years! 

Yes, we do intend to move forward, but not without remembering where we started…

Michelle 

Barbara Beard-White is quite an active member of Salt Lake's thriving theater community.  Barbara was last seen in Ntozake Shange's For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf as the Lady in Purple.  She has also performed at the Grand Theater in Crowns as well as Big River.  Barbara was also involved in the original workshop of Big River at the Sundance Institute Summer Lab.  She is extremely excited to make her debut with the Etta Grace Black Theater Company's premier of Heat in June.  She is also a proud and respected member of Golden Voices 14, a 30 year member of the Second Baptist Choir in Ogden, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Blind Boys of Alabama.  Barbara has also had the incredible opportunity of singing with several recording artists that have included Josh Grobin and Yolanda Adams.  In December of 2011, Barbara became the Principal Narrator for the annual Messiah concert at the Grand Theater.  She would like to thank her Saviour and her Family. 

Barbara on her recent experience working with People Productions:

"Working on For Colored Girls…was not only fun, but extremely rewarding.  I was reunited with two other actresses I had the pleasure of working with in Crowns; Michelle Love-Day and Dee-Dee Darby Duffin. There was a sisterhood between us that I felt made the production very successful and I would work with those women again in a heart beat.  Working with Michelle was great; she has the patience of Job.  Thanks again to People Productions for allowing me the privilege of being a part of the company."