CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being felt among theater companies nationwide, including a Black repertory theater company in North Carolina.

Rory Sheriff is the founding artistic director for Brand New Sheriff Productions. It’s the only Black repertory theater company in Charlotte.

“It means we’re doing shows all season that create spaces for African Americans to act or folks who have anything to do with theater all year-round,” Sheriff said. “It’s important, vital we perform really good stage plays.” 

Sheriff was one of the 2024 recipients of Charlotte’s Growing the Dream Award, which recognizes unsung heroes who foster unity and promote diversity and multiculturalism in the community. 

“It was a surprise,” Sheriff said. “It’s amazing to be honored by the city you know and love. Council member Malcolm Graham presenting me the award, that meant everything.” 

Sheriff used to be a radio personality in Philadelphia, but his heart was always in writing. 

“I’m a writer by trade and kept being directed to theater,” Sheriff said. “All the doors shutting, people telling me no, [so] I created my own company so no one could tell me no.” 

BNS Productions is now preparing for its upcoming performances of “The Piano Lesson,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play from August Wilson. 

Wilson’s work portrays the African American experiences in the 20th century, seen through each decade. 

“August Wilson is a crown gem in the African American culture, especially in Pittsburgh and around the world,” Sheriff said. “Any actor up and coming would love to do an August Wilson piece. I’m honored to be directing and producing this piece.” 

Sheriff embodies Wilson’s work by ensuring plays spotlighting Black stories are being told. 

“I look for different stories we can tell that end on positive notes that paints African American men, [especially] in the positive light that we deserve and that we are. [I want] to share them with all of Charlotte and the world. It’s important to tell our stories,” Sheriff said. 

Sheriff says BNS Productions is experiencing many successes, which include a high caliber of talented actors. 

“The successes are great shows,” Sheriff said. “Great actors are here.” 

But like many theater companies, Sheriff says he’s been dealing with challenges since the pandemic. 

“The biggest challenge is getting audiences to come in,” Sheriff said. “For folks to come back out like they were prior to COVID, that’s our biggest challenge.”

“There’s also a challenge here in Charlotte finding rehearsal spaces and performance spaces as well that’s feasible and affordable for local companies like ours,” he said. “[Also], some of the support and donors are really reserved with supporting our company versus all the other theater and arts companies within the city.”

“Ours is usually the last or if not supported by donors and companies,” Sheriff said. “We are a star-studded, highly professional theater company. If those donors would just come out and experience those productions, they can see this company can compete and perform, just as good or better than any other theater company.” 

Sheriff says these challenges highlight the importance of people supporting theater companies, particularly Black theaters, every chance they can. 

“It takes one time to experience a BNS Production and be hooked,” Sheriff said. “We are just carrying the torch of our ancestors and those that came before us in Charlotte. It’s important that torch is carried on, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.” 

Comedian and radio personality Tone-X is one of the actors in “The Piano Lesson.” 

Tone-X is making his live theater debut in this play. 

He says roles like this for him and other Black actors are possible thanks to BNS Productions. 

“I used to chop it up with Rory years ago, telling him I always wanted to get in theater,” Tone-X said. “A lot of times I say something to people and they might dismiss it. Fast forward: Rory told me he may have something for me, and he sent me the script.”

“I’m glad Rory took me serious and got me this incredible part,” he said. “The beauty of it is, I get to come into a situation with veterans. I’m like a rookie that goes to the Panthers, and they throw me out there in the first practice with the best receiver, and I got to cover him.”

“But I got these veterans I’m working with, all with a common goal to bring this classic to life in the proper way to do it justice for the creative mind of August Wilson that put it together,” Tone-X said.

“I can’t wait for people to see what I see,” Sheriff said. 

“The Piano Lesson” is running from until Feb. 4 at the Parr Center on the Central Piedmont Community College campus.