Background:

·Founded in 2004, SRT grew out of discussions among its co-founders Edna-Jakki (E-J) Miller, Founder and Director of Experience Dance Theatre, and William (Bill) James, Sr.

·Ms. Miller is a local actor, dancer, choreographer, teacher, director, and producer and Mr. James is a local author and playwright.

·It happened when they EJ met Bill while performing the role of Rose in one of his plays “What is The Meaning of Life” at Live Arts. They both realized that their ideas of the concept of a theatre that would reflect more of the lives of people of color in its works coincided.

·They believed it could be realized by working together in collaboration to synergize the resources required to realize this collective vision.

-They both felt that this idea could best be realized by activating the theater component of Experience Dance Theatre (EDT) which was already established as a not-for-profit organization and is in the process of seeking recognition as a tax-exempt (501c3) corporation.

Mission:

Sepia, A Renaissance Theater, is a nonprofit dance theater group co-founded in 2004 by Edna-Jakki (EJ) Miller and William (Bill) James.  Its goal is to foster & promote the performing arts with an emphasis on people of color from diverse socio-economic groups including inner city neighborhoods in the Charlottesville and surrounding regions. It is a grass roots creative outlet for talented performers who wish to reflect the values, culture, and experiences of African-Americans and people of color.

SRT will fulfill this mission by developing a Repertory Ensemble of local performers in theater, dance, improvisation and music; sponsoring projects in the form of studio and staged performances, master classes, and workshops; and promoting the work of local playwrights, directors and choreographers.