By Kristen Nevarez Schweizer

April 27, 2026

A local spiritual community makes the case that live theatre isn’t just art — it’s a moral act.

Universal Spirit Center, an inclusive, non-denominational spiritual community founded in 2001, is confronting bigotry and processing pain through art. This spring, the center is presenting both The Laramie Project and the rarely produced companion piece, The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, in repertory. Performances ran April 24-26, and run again this weekend, May 1-3.

The Laramie Project was created in response to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, and stands as one of the most significant works of modern documentary theatre, addressing anti-LGBTQ+ violence. It was developed from over 200 interviews conducted by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project. The play has received over 3,000 licensed productions, countless high school and college performances, and debuted as a reading at nearly 150 theatres simultaneously on the 2009 anniversary of Shepard’s death.

Universal Spirit Center positions itself at the intersection of spiritual community and social engagement, partnering with organizations like PATH to serve unhoused individuals and running initiatives such as its Racial Equality Project. It staged The Laramie Project last year to a strong audience response and mayoral recognition, and the ensemble was subsequently recognized with the Dennis and Judy Shepard Family Values Award, presented by San Diego civil rights leader Nicole Murray Ramirez.

By staging both plays this year, it asks the second important question of the Laramie Cycle: beyond ‘why did this happen?’ the companion play asks: what have we actually learned from it?

“During these challenging times for our nation, it’s imperative that we stand up for the inclusion of all people,” says Reverend Kevin Bucy, who plays five roles across the two productions. “Now, more than ever, we must engage with one another in peaceful ways, examine history with integrity and honesty, and consider what it asks of us today.” 

As an associate pastor with a theatre degree, I’ve noticed churches have a similar architecture to theaters. But good spiritual leaders lead their congregations so no one is merely a spectator. All souls are equally lovingly called to humane and spiritual work.

“I’d love for art lovers to know that these plays are as important now as they were when they premiered in the early 2000’s. In an increasingly digital world, these messages of non-violence, hope, acceptance, and legacy are necessary,” says director Julian Diaz, a San Diego native and Assistant Production Manager at La Jolla Playhouse. “Live theatre is necessary. And I am so proud to have made it accessible to this community and the greater San Diego population.”

I’ve sat in a lot of theatres and a lot of pews. The best stories and sermons do the same thing: they make you feel the weight of life and dare you to carry some of it out the door. 

The Laramie Project April 24, 7:30 p.m. | April 26, 3 p.m. | May 2, 7:30 p.m.

The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later April 25, 7:30 p.m. | May 1, 7:30 p.m. | May 3, 3 p.m.

Universal Spirit Center, 6863 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108 Tickets: LaramieUniversalSpirit.eventbrite.com