URBAN SAMURAI PRODUCTIONS

GIVE TO THE MAX DAY 2011! Special thanks to 321circus.com ($50) and an anonymous donor ($5,000) for matching donations we look forward to receiving on Wednesday, November 16th, for Give to the Max Day!

Urban Samurai Productions (USP) was founded in 2005 by local playwright Aaron Christopher in order to provide Twin Cities theater artists the opportunity for experience, exposure, and growth. Through Season 2011, USP has presented twenty regular and Fringe Festival productions with opportunities for over 100 local theater artists. These productions include nine world premieres, including American Apathy (2008) and Musical: the Musical! (2008), and six regional premieres such as [title of show] (2011).

Our Sword is the Stage. The word "samurai" is colloquially understood to mean warrior, but the actual translation from Japanese is "to serve". We firmly believe that theater, at its very best, is a service to the community rather than a business. USP commits to presenting productions that are both provocative and poignant while maintaining the highest quality. We provide an opportunity for both theater artists and audience members to have a conscious and engaged theatrical experience that comples conversation beyond the performance.

The Urban Samurai Code. In order to fulfill our commitment of service to the community, USP follows three main principles.

• Truth. We are devoted to producing works that explore the human condition with honesty, authenticity, and ethical consistency.
• Honor. We strive to honor and respect all those for whom we perform and with whom we work by challenging their perceptions and allowing our perceptions to be challenged.
• Discipline. We are driven to continually refine our artistic process to enhance the quality of all theatrical creations.

Core Company. Derek Ewing (Development Associate), Matthew Greseth (Artistic Director), Ryan Grimes (Managing Director), Nate Hessburg (Marketing Director), Shannon Hessburg (Production Manager), Marcia Svaleson (Communications Director).

Board of Directors. Aaron Christopher (Founder & President), Tim Clouse, Dee Gaeddert, Lisa Rotherham.