Now in its twenty second season and thirteenth at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, Uptown Players has gathered a dedicated following and is providing an opportunity for a wide diversity of gender styles to come together and explore life choices through great theatre themes such as relationships, family, prejudice, and values. We provide a safe place for LGBTQ+ patrons and their allies to fellowship, and to be enlightened and entertained through the performing arts by depicting stories that create acceptance, tolerance and understanding by breaking down barriers. Uptown Players is the city's only LGBTQ+ focused professional theater and has grown to be one of the largest LGBTQ+ focused theaters in the nation.Â
The response from the community and critics has been remarkable, including over 30 Theater Critics Forum Awards in its first twenty seasons. Uptown Players has also been named the best theatre company by the Dallas Voice Readers and by the Dallas Observer and was also featured in D Magazine and on WFAA's Daybreak and Good Morning Texas programs.
The LGBTQ+ community and its allies is made up of many cultures, gender identities, and lifestyles. When you attend an Uptown Players production, you see this intersection of all races, gender identities, sexual orientation, and social status represented on our stage, in our front of house staff and in our audience.Â
Uptown Players provides work to nearly 200 local artists, designers, directors, musicians, and technicians each season. It is extremely important to keep local artists working because theatre opportunity is what keeps local talent from moving to other cities.Â
Uptown Players is currently seeking funds to develop and produce its 2023-2024 season at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. It is also seeking funds to continue modernizing its stage lighting with new efficient LED stage lighting and intelligent (moving) lights and newer technology audio equipment.
The mission of Uptown Players is to present professional theatre that meets a rising demand in the LGBTQ+ community for audiences to see their life experiences represented on stage. We offer diverse productions focusing on contemporary and alternative lifestyle themes that explore subjects including diversity, relationships, family, prejudice, and social values. We present plays and musicals that challenge audiences artistically, strengthen cultural bridges with the LGBTQ+ community, and create greater positive public awareness and acceptance through the performing arts.
Uptown Players recently has been forced to relocate its rehearsals, set building and administrative offices due to restrictions placed by the EAP and a recent rental increase. We initiated a very succesful campaign to achieve this but we still need your help. There are many costs associated with a new building and we are still in need of support for operational expenses that help to produce the quality productions our audiences LOVE! Please consider giving today!
UPTOWN PLAYERS EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
At Uptown Players, we are committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive theatrical community. We know that diversity and representation are essential to the theatrical community we are building to celebrate and uplift the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces individuals of all backgrounds. We will strive to do so through:
Diversity: We will seek a diverse range of experiences and perspectives in all aspects of our theater company and provide a safe and welcoming space for all to ensure we reflect the rich tapestry of society.
Equity: We will ensure fair access and opportunity and work to eliminate barriers that have prevented full participation and advancement to some groups in the past.
Inclusion: We will help everyone feel valued, heard and respected by engaging in dialogue and education to challenge biases and create a more inclusive theatrical community.
This is an ongoing journey of self-reflection, learning, and improvement that can only be achieved with the input and feedback of our casts, crews and patrons. We welcome the opportunity to engage in open dialogue with you to adapt our practices and ensure we build an environment where all feel included and can enjoy the performing arts. Together, Uptown Players believes we can create transformative theatrical experiences that inspire, educate, and build bridges of understanding.
Organization name
Uptown Players
Causes
Arts, Culture & Humanities, LGBTQIA
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Address
PO BOX 192264