Check Out SkyPilot Theatre Company’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to SkyPilot Theatre Company.

We’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
SkyPilot Theatre Company is a nonprofit ensemble of actors, writers, and directors producing provocative, compelling, and challenging works for the Los Angeles theater-going audience. The company focuses primarily on new plays that explore socially relevant topics.

Founded in 2004 by Bob Rusch, the company initially produced revivals, one-act plays, and workshops. After achieving early success and deciding to become a membership-based company, SkyPilot made a dramatic shift—moving away from revivals to focus on writing and producing original works. This new direction began with Yes, Svetlana, There Is a Grandfather Frost by Jeff Goode, performed at the Luna Playhouse in Glendale to rave reviews.

SkyPilot went on to produce critically acclaimed productions such as War Bride by Samantha Macher and Earthbound: An Electonica Musical by Adam Hahn (book), Chana Wise (lyrics) and Jonathan Price (score/music), to name just a few.

For the past 11 years, Shelby Janes has continued to lead the theatre company through many successful mainstage productions, like the critically acclaimed, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Divorce by Jeff Gould, virtual online works, staged readings, and SkyPilot’s Annual One Act Festival. Guided by its board, consisting of Morris Schorr, Ian Nemser, Michael Becker, Tina Walsch, Marie Pettit and dedicated ensemble members, SkyPilot continues its tradition of collaboration—maintaining its mission of creating opportunities for artists and sharing their work with the public.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s always a challenge to bring audiences into small live theaters—especially for companies working out of rented spaces. SkyPilot Theatre Company does not have a permanent home, and as a nonprofit with limited funding, we often operate at the mercy of whatever small venue we can secure. Convincing audiences to seek out a production in an intimate theater can be difficult, particularly when compared with the visibility and resources of larger institutions or major venues

There is also an inherent risk in championing new and unfamiliar work. Unlike well-known titles that come with built-in recognition, our productions often introduce audiences to material they’ve never encountered before. Yet that risk is also part of our mission—supporting new voices and giving original stories a place to be seen and heard.

The pandemic presented yet another challenge. Many of Los Angeles’ small theaters were forced to close indefinitely, but SkyPilot found ways to adapt. By producing and presenting visual productions online, we were able to keep creating, keep connecting with audiences, and keep our name alive in the community—an effort that helped sustain both our artistic spirit and the company itself during an incredibly uncertain time.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We get asked: why do you do this? Why do I do this?

Because art matters. Expression matters. A world without it would feel empty and lifeless.

This company constantly inspires us through the new playwrights we meet and the stories we help bring to life. The work gives us a place to create, to explore, and to connect. I love watching our members—people who have truly become like family—share their artistic gifts and build something meaningful together.

I truly believe it’s important that spaces like this continue to exist. Places where artists can come together as a community and put something honest into the world. Because the world needs it. I need it. We all need to feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

It’s worth the time and hard work to be part of that.

And when people talk about obstacles, I say: show me the obstacles, and I’ll show you a group of people who will band together to create something that makes others think, feel, and maybe even find a little joy.

Because in the end, that’s what this work does.
It makes life a little better.

Contact Info:

• Website: Skypilottheatre.com
• Instagram: @skypilottheatrecompany
• Facebook: SkyPilot Theatre
• Youtube: Skypilottheatrecompany