Our Mission
- The mission of the Emerald Theatre Company is to produce quality and relevant works dealing with sometimes controversial and off the cuff issues that would not ordinarily be produced by conventional theaters in the Memphis area.
- At times, we focus on the realities faced by the LGBTQ+ communities.
- We produce professional and previously-unpublished works.
- Play submissions are always welcomed.
Our History
ETC founder, Den-Nickolas Schaeffer-Smith always dreamed of creating a theatre company. He started with Lollipop Guild Productions. Once it was decided to start producing on a regular basis, the decision was made to change the name to conform to the image of a serious theatre company. In 1996, he was offered the opportunity to become a resident company at THEATREWORKS in Memphis, Tennessee, and with that Emerald Theatre Company was launched.
Very early on the journey Den met Hal Harmon who quickly became Den’s best friend and joined ETC as Co-Artistic Director. As their friendship grew, so did their common goal for producing productions that gave a voice to the LGBTQ+ community. The beginnings were rocky and they struggled to draw audiences, yet persevered and grew.
Over their years of residency at THEATREWORKS at the SQUARE, Den & Hal have produced over 100 productions, many of them have been Mid-South premieres. Now approaching their 29th year of residency, they are no longer the "taboo" theater company and have established themselves as one of the longer running residency companies at THEATREWORKS @ the Square and the Memphis theater community. As their reputation for quality theater grows and new traditions are brought to fruition, Den, Hal and their invaluable board of directors and "chosen family" of volunteers continue to commit themselves to providing their loyal patrons memorable, comedic and thought provoking productions.
Very early on the journey Den met Hal Harmon who quickly became Den’s best friend and joined ETC as Co-Artistic Director. As their friendship grew, so did their common goal for producing productions that gave a voice to the LGBTQ+ community. The beginnings were rocky and they struggled to draw audiences, yet persevered and grew.
Over their years of residency at THEATREWORKS at the SQUARE, Den & Hal have produced over 100 productions, many of them have been Mid-South premieres. Now approaching their 29th year of residency, they are no longer the "taboo" theater company and have established themselves as one of the longer running residency companies at THEATREWORKS @ the Square and the Memphis theater community. As their reputation for quality theater grows and new traditions are brought to fruition, Den, Hal and their invaluable board of directors and "chosen family" of volunteers continue to commit themselves to providing their loyal patrons memorable, comedic and thought provoking productions.
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Emerald Theatre Company
2085 Monroe Ave., Memphis, TN 38104
2085 Monroe Ave., Memphis, TN 38104