Prima’s Beloved Community Project Achieves Milestone with Successful Soft Launch 

Written By Amanda Ehst

Lancaster, PA – Prima, the region’s premiere destination for immersive and inclusive theatrical experiences, proudly announces the successful soft launch of the Beloved Community Project (BCP) at Prima. This groundbreaking initiative, designed to elevate BIPOC artists and promote equity within the arts, was met with enthusiastic participation and support from the community. 

 

About Prima and the Beloved Community Project 
Founded in 2010 by Mitch and Diana Nugent, Prima has grown from hosting cabarets at Prince Street Cafe to establishing its award-winning home theater in 2018. Dedicated to creating vibrant cultural experiences and promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, Prima has launched the Beloved Community Project to address gaps in access and support for BIPOC performing artists. 

BCP aims to provide BIPOC artists with essential resources, including access to venue space, mentoring, and funding. This initiative reflects Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a beloved community where everyone experiences belonging and social equity. By fostering reparative and inclusive partnerships, BCP is set to transform Lancaster’s cultural landscape and position Prima as a national leader in creating a safe, inclusive, and liberating environment. 

 

Highlights from the Soft Launch
The soft launch of BCP showcased its commitment to empowering local artists and engaging the community: 

      • The Mix: Ten students from the after-school program, which supports grades 1 through 12 with educational and enrichment activities, performed their yearend show at Prima. Their performance, supported by their teachers and attended by their families, highlighted the transformative power of tthe arts in young lives. 

      • Girls on the Run: As part of their annual summer camp, 40 girls participated in a theatre workshop at Prima. The workshop included theatre games and NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release activities that integrated storytelling, creativity, and collaboration, enriching their camp experience with new artistic skills. 

      • Evita Colon: CEO of Speak My Soul, Evita Colon, held an album listening party at Prima, utilizing the venue's space, technology, and staff support. The event featured live performances and a preview of her new album, providing a platform for emerging artists and engaging her audience in a unique cultural experience.

Looking Ahead: Full Launch of BCP in Summer 2025 
As we celebrate the success of our soft launch, Prima is thrilled to anticipate the full launch of the Beloved Community Project in the summer of 2025. This upcoming phase will expand the program's reach and impact, offering even greater opportunities for BIPOC artists to showcase their work and engage with the community. With enhanced resources, broader partnerships, and an even more inclusive platform, the full launch promises to amplify the voices of historically marginalized communities and further enrich Lancaster's cultural tapestry. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare for a summer of transformative artistic experiences and collaborative growth. Join us in the excitement as we continue to build a more vibrant and equitable future through the arts. In order to ensure the full launch thrives, consider supporting the cause at primatheatre.org/support.

Megan Witkovsky 
Patron Engagement Director
Prima Theatre
(717) 327-5124  

Amanda Ehst
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