Salt Lake City, Utah — Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC), Utah’s premier professional theatre, will host its Annual Theatre Lives Here Gala on May 1, 2026, celebrating a legacy of artistic excellence while honoring the Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles Family for their visionary leadership and enduring contributions to the University of Utah, Pioneer Theatre Company, and communities throughout Utah and beyond.
The Gala, PTC’s signature fundraising event, will bring together community leaders, philanthropists, artists, and partners in support of the organization’s mission to produce world-class theatre and expand access to the arts. The evening will feature a reception, dinner, and a full performance of the Broadway hit musical Come From Away.
For decades, the Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles family has played a transformative role in shaping Utah’s cultural and educational landscape. Their steadfast support of the arts has strengthened institutions, broadened access to creative experiences, and ensured that future generations can engage with meaningful storytelling. Their commitment to Pioneer Theatre Company has been instrumental in sustaining its growth and elevating its national profile.
Founded in 1962, Pioneer Theatre Company is one of the oldest continually operating professional theatre companies in the American West and a leading member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). As the resident professional theatre of the University of Utah, PTC has built a reputation for artistic excellence, producing a wide range of productions— from classic works to contemporary premieres—while serving as a vital training ground for students.
Each season, PTC reaches tens of thousands of audience members and students through its mainstage productions, educational programs, and community initiatives. Its student matinee program introduces thousands of young people to live theatre each year, while subsidized ticket programs and flexible pricing models ensure accessibility for audiences of all backgrounds.
“Pioneer Theatre Company has long been a cornerstone of Utah’s cultural life,” said Adrian Budhu, Managing Director. “We are honored to recognize the Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles Family, whose leadership and generosity have helped ensure that the arts continue to thrive in our community. Their impact is deeply felt not only at PTC, but across the University of Utah and throughout the state.”
Proceeds from the Gala will directly support Pioneer Theatre Company’s productions, education initiatives, and community engagement efforts, helping to sustain its mission of creating transformative theatrical experiences for all.
For more information about the Annual Gala or to learn how to support Pioneer Theatre Company, please contact Marc A. Day, Director of Development, at marc.day@ptc.utah.edu or 801-585-3196.
ABOUT PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY (PTC)
Kicking off its historic 65th Season in fall 2026, the award-winning PTC is Utah’s premier professional theatre company and a leading arts organization of the West. Led by Artistic Director Karen Azenberg and Managing Director Adrian Budhu, PTC presents world-class productions that celebrate diversity in culture and society, and serve as the connecting bridge between art and scholarship as an affiliate of the University of Utah. Notable productions include the regional premieres of Les Misérables, Sting’s The Last Ship, and Frank Wildhorn’s The Count of Monte Cristo, as well as the world premieres of Shucked (the first-ever Broadway tryout in Utah), A Distinct Society by Kareem Fahmy, Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones, The Messenger by Jeff Talbott, and Ass by Ellen Simon. For more information, visit PioneerTheatre.org.
