The Utah Theatre Bloggers Association (UTBA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting theater throughout Utah through production reviews, critical arts journalism and commentary. The organization was founded in 2010 by writers Dr. Russell Warne and Dave Mortensen and is the largest and longest running theatre criticism outlet in the state of Utah.
UTBA has had the great privilege of having nearly 100 contributors in it’s history and currently carries a stable of more than 30 active reviewers from across Utah. The Utah Theatre Bloggers Association (UTBA) is a diverse and highly educated collective of reviewers committed to enriching Utah’s theatre scene. Every reviewer is either a university graduate or currently enrolled, with 80% holding a bachelor’s degree and 38% having pursued graduate studies. Two-thirds have at least a minor in theatre, and over half hold one or more theatre degrees, while others come from fields like communications and psychology. Beyond reviewing, all members engage with Utah theatre in multiple ways—whether as professionals, educators, or dedicated patrons, with one-third holding season tickets to local companies. The majority of reviewers are women, and 80% fall between the ages of 26-45. With an average membership span of 5.5 years and each reviewer contributing around 10 reviews annually, UTBA thrives on experience and commitment. Our members span political, economic, and religious backgrounds, fostering a broad and dynamic perspective. Geographically, over 80% reside north of the Point of the Mountain ensuring strong representation of Utah’s theatre-rich communities, but also having reviewers willing to travel to see great theatre of Southern Utah.
The organization reviews more than 200 productions and produces more than 300 articles of content on theatre in Utah each year at venues of all kinds across the state. The organization currently consists of volunteer writers and staff who are well credentialed writers and theatre makers. UTBA provides fair, informative and quality reviews of productions across the state. In addition to reviews, UTBA offers interviews with actors, directors, playwrights, and other theater professionals, as well as monthly previews of upcoming productions.
While UTBA does not review secondary school productions, or pay-to-play shows where actors pay for the chance to perform, we are enthusiastic about sharing information on theater events at all levels happening across Utah and are working to build greater community between arts organizations in the state.
We maintain an active presence on social media platforms and can be followed on Instagram and Facebook.
UTBA operates as a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN 87-1870877), and donations to the association are tax-deductible. We are grateful to our donors, sponsors and grant giving bodies that make our coverage possible.