Founded in 1978 and located on the campus of Alliant International University in San Diego, Scripps Ranch Theatre (SRT) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. 

Our Mission


SRT is committed to instilling and deepening a love of live theatre among diverse audiences by delivering high-quality artistry on stage, as well as through new play developments, community outreach and education. We produce theatre that challenges audiences, expands their horizons and touches them intellectually and emotionally.

“For over 40 years, Scripps Ranch Theatre has shared the excitement of storytelling and live theatre with our community. You have stayed with and supported us as we continued to raise the artistic bar to become a vibrant professional theatre. We look forward to continuing to listen to our audience – and provide stories to make us look at, celebrate and learn from each other.”

– Jill Drexler, Artistic Director

SRT Timeline


1978

June: Scripps Ranch Community Theatre, started by B.J. Scott and area residents launched the company with a production of Old Town by Thornton Wilder. The company did not have a permanent home and produced at the Legler Benbough Theatre, the Wagenheim School, the Scripps Ranch Swim and Racquet Club and even the parking lot of the Vons Shopping Center.

1984

SRT produced their first full-scale musical, Oliver – which was hugely successful.

1992/1993 Season

Scripps Ranch Theatre establishes a permanent home on the campus of USIU (now Alliant Int’l University).

1997

John Simmonds becomes SRT’s first Artistic Director.

2002

Jill Drexler becomes SRT’s Artistic Director.

2011

Led by Robert May, SRT produced the inaugural Out On A Limb Festival of New Plays The plays were all new, world-premiere plays written by area playwrights.

2014-2016

SRT Leadership guided the company from operating as a community theatre – to join small tiered SD professional theatre companies – with equitable Artist, Technician and consultant compensation structures.

2019

SRT celebrates its 40th Anniversary Season.

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