Sheldon Epps

Sheldon Epps is an American theatre director, producer, and librettist whose career has been defined by his commitment to diversity and inclusion in the performing arts. Born on November 15, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Epps began as an actor before finding his true calling behind the scenes.

He co-founded The Production Company in New York in 1979 and soon gained recognition for his skill in staging musicals and plays with freshness and emotional depth. As Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse from 1997 to 2017, he revitalized the institution, programming works that reflected America’s cultural variety.

Epps’s theatre credits include directing productions on and off Broadway, in London’s West End, and at major regional theatres. He has worked on musicals such as Play On! and Blues in the Night, blending narrative and music in ways that celebrate African-American artistry.

His leadership at Pasadena Playhouse helped make it a hub for diverse voices, and his advocacy for inclusion has influenced theatre practices nationwide. Epps has also directed for television, adding another layer to his multifaceted career.

Now a respected figure in both theatre and arts administration, Sheldon Epps continues to champion stories that reflect the breadth of human experience.