Rory D. Sheriff

Rory D. Sheriff is an award-winning playwright, producer, director, actor and arts leader dedicated to amplifying Black storytelling through theatre. He is the founder and artistic director of BNS Productions, Charlotte’s only Black repertory theatre company, which he launched in 2013 after becoming frustrated by the barriers Black artists and original Black works often faced within traditional theatre spaces.

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Driven by a belief that Black artists should not need permission to tell their own stories, Sheriff founded BNS Productions to create opportunities for authentic representation onstage and behind the scenes. What began as a self-produced effort to stage original works has grown into one of the Charlotte region’s most recognized Black-led performing arts organizations.

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Through BNS Productions, Sheriff has produced award-winning performances highlighting the African American experience while centering themes of healing, identity, resilience, family and community. The company has earned recognition both regionally and nationally, including performances at the National Black Theatre Festival and honors such as A Taste of Theatre in Chicago.

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Sheriff’s artistic vision is rooted in the belief that representation matters deeply, especially for young people seeking to see themselves reflected in the arts. His work consistently explores the emotional, cultural and historical realities of Black life while creating space for joy, vulnerability and truth-telling onstage.

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Beyond directing and producing, Sheriff is passionate about mentorship, community engagement and creating pathways for emerging Black artists in Charlotte and beyond. Under his leadership, BNS Productions has expanded its impact through educational programming, youth engagement, workshops, artist development and community partnerships.

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Today, Sheriff continues to lead BNS Productions with a mission centered on storytelling that transforms hearts, strengthens community and keeps Black stories center stage.