For more than three decades, Ronnie Larsen has done far more than write plays. He has created a movement, one that has given LGBTQ+ voices a permanent home on stage while proving that authentic storytelling has the power to entertain, challenge, inspire, and change lives.
Born in Bakersfield, California, Larsen discovered early that theater could be a vehicle for truth. Raised in the Mormon faith before embracing his authentic identity, he transformed his personal experiences into fearless storytelling that would eventually resonate with audiences across the globe. Since beginning his writing career in 1994, Larsen has authored more than two dozen plays, with productions reaching Off-Broadway, London, Canada, Australia, Italy, and theaters throughout the United States.
His breakthrough productions, including Making Porn, 10 Naked Men, The Big D, Grindr Mom, Now & Then, The Actors, Come Out! Come Out!, and many others, have never been content to simply entertain. They spark conversations about identity, love, family, aging, sexuality, faith, and acceptance while reminding audiences that LGBTQ+ lives deserve to be seen with honesty and humanity.
Today, Larsen’s greatest legacy may be found in The Foundry in Wilton Manors. Through his nonprofit organization, Plays of Wilton (POW!), The Foundry has become one of America’s most important LGBTQ+ theatrical spaces, a creative laboratory where new works are developed, emerging artists are mentored, and stories often overlooked by mainstream theater are given the spotlight they deserve.
Its mission extends beyond producing plays; it exists to preserve, celebrate, and expand LGBTQ+ culture through live performance and storytelling.
Recognition has naturally followed. Larsen’s productions have earned 29 Carbonell Award nominations, five Carbonell Awards, three Silver Palm Awards, and the prestigious Howard Kleinberg Award for his contributions to South Florida’s theatrical community. In 2019, he was also honored as Entertainer of the Year, recognition of both his artistic achievements and his tireless dedication to LGBTQ+ entertainment.
Yet awards tell only part of the story.
Anyone who has spent an evening at The Foundry knows Larsen’s greatest gift is creating unforgettable experiences. Whether audiences leave laughing, crying, questioning, or simply feeling seen, they leave having shared something deeply human with strangers sitting only a few feet away. His intimate productions remind us that theater is at its most powerful when it builds community.
In an era when LGBTQ+ stories continue to matter, Ronnie Larsen remains one of the community’s most fearless artistic voices. His work has entertained hundreds of thousands, launched new talent, challenged conventions, and enriched the cultural landscape of South Florida and beyond.
For countless theatergoers, Ronnie Larsen has provided more than a night at the theater. He has offered laughter during difficult times, courage during uncertain moments, and a place where authenticity is always welcomed with a standing ovation.
Image: facebook.com/RonnieLarsenPresents
