Welcome to Ira Aldridge Repertory Players
Each performance is a masterpiece in the making, brought to life by our passionate artists dedicated to captivating audiences. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time guest, we invite you to experience the power of storytelling, the beauty of live performance, and the spirit of a company committed to excellence in the arts.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Shows
Our performances are a blend of emotions and artistry, promising unforgettable experiences for all our spectators.
Diversity
Who Are We
Ira Aldridge Repertory Players (IARP) has become a cornerstone of African American theatre in San Diego, known for its diverse and dynamic repertoire. From world premieres to timeless classics, our productions span a wide range of genres — from powerful dramas to vibrant musicals — each offering a unique perspective on the African American experience. Over the past 34 years, IARP has staged over 175 productions, with many written by Manson himself. Our performances not only celebrate Black culture but also cater to diverse audiences, creating a space for all to experience the richness of storytelling and the arts
Innovation
About Ira Aldridge Repertory Players
Founded in 1984 by award-winning playwright and director Calvin Manson, Ira Aldridge Repertory Players (IARP) is San Diego’s leading African American theatre company, producing over 175 productions — including 84 original works — that celebrate and explore the Black experience. With groundbreaking programs like the first African American dinner theatre season, and accolades including the NAACP Lorraine Hansberry Award and the San Diego Critics’ Craig Noel Award, IARP continues to uplift diverse voices and empower future generations through powerful, authentic storytelling.
History
About Calvin Manson (Artistic Director)
Founded in 1984 by Calvin Manson, Ira Aldridge Repertory Players (IARP) is San Diego’s premier African American theatre company, committed to producing powerful works that reflect and celebrate the African American experience. Over the past 34 years, IARP has staged more than 175 productions, many of them world premieres written by Manson himself.
Honored with the 2010 San Diego Theatre Critics Award and the NAACP Lorraine Hansberry Award, IARP continues to uplift diverse voices, nurture Black artists, and inspire community understanding through compelling storytelling. Known for its groundbreaking programming, including being the first African American theatre in the nation to offer a full dinner season, IARP is a vital cultural force bringing authentic, multi-dimensional Black narratives to the stage.
Calvin Manson – A Legacy in Black Theatre and the Arts
Calvin Manson, a San Diego native, is a visual artist, award-winning writer, producer, and director with over 45 years in the arts. He is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Ira Aldridge Repertory Players (IARP), a theatre company devoted to uplifting African American culture through powerful storytelling.
A passionate advocate for Black arts, Manson has held leadership roles in numerous cultural organizations and served as a Commissioner for the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. He has written 84 original plays, directed over 100 productions, and received multiple honors, including the NAACP Lorraine Hansberry Award, the Craig Noel Award, and the 2022 Gate Keeper Award.
Manson continues to impact the community through initiatives like Live on the Street Theatre Project and Keeping Black Theatre Alive, nurturing youth and preserving the future of African American theatre in San Diego.