With support from the California Arts Council, Lower Depth Theatre will leverage their funding to sustain the salaries of their Artistic Director and Company Manager, while also providing crucial support for contracted artists working on upcoming projects and commissioned works, ensuring the continued presentation and creation of diverse BIPOC stories.
1. Commissioning and Developing New Work
Lower Depth Theatre is committed to developing original plays and stories by BIPOC and women-identifying playwrights that explore the complexities of race, identity, history, and justice. Our Commission Fellowship Program provides playwrights with financial support, dramaturgical resources, and public readings to nurture new works that disrupt dominant narratives and reflect the lived experiences of historically marginalized communities.
2. Mainstage Productions and Staged Readings
We produce high-quality theatrical works that amplify voices from the African Diaspora and other underrepresented communities. Our mainstage shows and staged readings center BIPOC characters and perspectives, often featuring stories overlooked in mainstream American theater. Each production is accompanied by community talkbacks, post-show discussions, and cultural contextualization to deepen audience engagement.
3. Public Humanities Events and Civic Dialogues
Through programs like the Juneteenth Jamboree and Freedom Walk, Lower Depth integrates performance with historical education, community storytelling, and public conversation. These events create inclusive platforms for multigenerational audiences to explore themes such as freedom, resilience, and cultural heritage, often in partnership with local venues and community groups.
4. Digital Humanities and Audio Storytelling
Our “Audio Afterpieces” podcast series and serialized audio plays (e.g., The Boll Weevil & Chester Higgensworth) expand our reach beyond the stage. These digital programs blend narrative performance with historical insight, creating accessible humanities content for listeners nationwide.
5. Community Partnerships and Artist Support
We cultivate long-term collaborations with BIPOC artists, educators, and cultural workers. Lower Depth provides paid opportunities, mentorship, and platforms for emerging and established artists alike. As a nomadic company, we bring our work directly into the communities we serve, ensuring cultural equity and accessibility.

