SGMT History

Another Chapter Unfolds!

Looking back on SGMT’s history, it is impossible not to see an organization determined to overcome the incredible odds against it and rising to the challenges before it. The brainchild of playwright Mark Ogden who passed away in 1994, the reins were turned over to Don and Dawna Kenworthy who guided the small organization from a fledgling company of passionate followers to the most successful community theater in southern Utah. By 2007 SGMT was producing 8 shows annually with over 50,000 passing through its doors each year.

When SGMT lost its venue downtown and its ability to perform its signature in-the-round productions it was forced to close its operations. After 5 long years and a series of fits and starts and without any means to generate revenue, SGMT was given new life when in 2014 former Mayor McArthur, newly elected Mayor Jon Pike, the St. George City Council, and other supportive City officials allowed SGMT to produce its productions in the historic Opera House a venue that served as its home 15 years ago.

Now in our 10th season, SGMT’s comeback is complete, and with consistently sold-out performances and an incredibly supportive and generous patron base, SGMT at long last is prepared to make its dream of a home of its own a reality! SGMT has entered into a partnership with the City of St. George to develop 2 acres south of downtown on Main St. We hope the first show will open in early 2025. Please contact SGMT if you would like to participate by calling (435) 628-8755. We want to thank the City of St. George, Washington County and all of our beloved patrons, generous donors, talented performers, dedicated staff and countless volunteers who are fueling our strong year-over-year growth.

Looking back on SGMT’s history, it is impossible not to see an organization determined to overcome the incredible odds against it and rising to the challenges before it. The brainchild of playwright Mark Ogden who passed away in 1994, the reins were turned over to Don and Dawna Kenworthy who guided the small organization from a fledgling company of passionate followers to the most successful community theater in southern Utah. By 2007 SGMT was producing 8 shows annually with over 50,000 passing through its doors each year.

When SGMT lost its venue downtown and its ability to perform its signature in-the-round productions it was forced to close its operations. After 5 long years and a series of fits and starts and without any means to generate revenue, SGMT was given new life when in 2014 former Mayor McArthur, newly elected Mayor Jon Pike, the St. George City Council, and other supportive City officials allowed SGMT to produce its productions in the historic Opera House a venue that served as its home 15 years ago.

Now in our 9th season, SGMT’s comeback is complete, and with consistently sold-out performances and an incredibly supportive and generous patron base, SGMT at long last is prepared to make its dream of a home of its own a reality! SGMT has entered into a partnership with the City of St. George to develop 2 acres south of downtown on Main St. We hope the first show will open in early 2025. Please contact SGMT if you would like to participate by calling (435) 628-8755. We want to thank the City of St. George, Washington County and all of our beloved patrons, generous donors, talented performers, dedicated staff and countless volunteers who are fueling our strong year-over-year growth.

New Theater
Coming 2025

The new theater will be around 20,000+ sq/ft and accommodate around 375 patrons while maintaining our exciting theater-in-the-round style of stunning performances. We hope that having this building will breathe live into this part of town and help the growth of the performing arts in the Southern Utah.