What is a theater repertory company?
A theater repertory company is a resident theater group that presents shows typically based on classics or new drama for which rights have been released. These companies – simply referred to as stock in the US – used to stage a different show every week giving actors little time to practice. The resident company consisted of seven members including leading actors, young actors for romantic roles, character artists to play older roles, and a flirtatious extrovert female comic character. They also tried to rope in a famous personality in guest appearance to boost ticket sales. A resident director managed the show, which followed a strict weekly schedule to present different shows each time. For spectators reps were a great source of entertainment where they met others, made friends and got familiarized with the classics. The current practice of a theater repertory company has undergone a sea change. Such theater companies in the US now generally form the “non-profit” theater, but are con
