Through theater and film production, youth programs, and community engagement, Princeton James Productions has spent the past decade creating memorable performances, cultivating local talent and helping shape the Mid-South’s creative industry.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, PJP is hosting a series of events this weekend, Friday to Sunday, July 17-19, bringing together artists, civic leaders, industry professionals, community partners and supporters to highlight the organization’s impact in the region and its vision for the future.
Emmy Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits and Tyler Perry Studio executives are expected to join the three-day celebration.
Princeton James, the multi-hyphenate who founded the eponymous production company in Memphis and writes, produces, directs, acts and sings, launched PJP to develop theater, film and television projects, and create experiences to help build a diverse creative economy in Memphis and the Mid-South.
James is best known for writing, directing and producing “The Royal Family,” a stage production that won the 2017 Dream Out Loud Stage & Film Award for best play, a career touchstone that helped establish him as one of Memphis’ emerging creative leaders.
Still, his focus has expanded beyond producing his own work to creating opportunities for others, investing in youth arts enrichment programs and creative workforce strategies and partnerships through PJP in Memphis.
“My mission is to use what I do as a catalyst for the advancement of other creative entrepreneurs,” said James.
The anniversary weekend kicks off Friday with “The Kooler Kids Showcase,” featuring students, who participated in PJP’s summer arts camp, presenting live performances in acting, music, dance and storytelling at Minglewood Hall in Midtown. The showcase celebrates the students’ confidence and artistic growth honed at summer camp, one of the organization’s signature initiatives designed to help young people discover their voices through the arts. Some 500 students have participated in PJP’s youth programs. About 85% have secured job placements in creative industries.
Saturday’s events are meant to illustrate how PJP’s mission has evolved in the past decade, along with James’ belief that Memphis can become a nationally recognized creative hub.
At midday, James will host a private meeting and luncheon with Memphis Mayor Paul Young and entertainment industry leaders to explore issues related to local talent and workforce development, production infrastructure, and industry partnerships with the goal of advancing collaborative, long-term strategies for creative economic growth in Memphis. The invitation-only conclave reflects James’ growing role as a leading creative voice in the region, shaping conversations about the city’s potential as a destination for film and television production.
“There’s so many brilliant, talented people in this city,” said James. “It’s time to build on that talent and make it an industry. Because Memphis is an incredible city to film in and create television, and create stories.”
On Saturday evening, supporters, artists, business leaders, elected officials and community partners will gather at Crosstown Concourse Theater for PJP’s 10th anniversary gala, featuring live entertainment and special performances.
The weekend concludes Sunday with an afternoon cookout at Memphis Music Room, reuniting PJP families, alumni, artists and supporters.
Although each event serves a different purpose, together they tell a larger story about the evolution of Princeton James Productions from creator to economic driver.
As PJP enters its second decade, James says the organization’s focus remains the same: Invest in the next generation of storytellers to show that Memphis is not only rich in culture but also capable of building a thriving creative industry.
For more information about the Princeton James Productions 10th anniversary weekend, including the schedule of events and registration information, visit go.pjpweekend.com.
