Capital Repertory Theatre facts for kids
The Capital Repertory Theatre, often called Capital Rep or just theREP, is a professional theatre in Albany, New York. It has 309 seats, meaning it can host many people for its shows. Capital Rep is special because it's the only theatre in the Capital District area that belongs to the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). This means it works with groups like Actors' Equity Association to make sure theatre workers are treated fairly.
In 2021, the theatre moved to its current location at 251 N. Pearl Street in Albany, New York. It is now part of a larger group called Proctors Collaborative, which includes other performance venues. The theatre's artistic team includes Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, who is the Producing Artistic Director, and Margaret E. Hall, the Associate Artistic Director.
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The Story of Capital Rep
How it Started: Lexington Conservatory Theatre
Capital Rep began with a theatre called Lexington Conservatory Theatre. It was founded in 1976 by Oakley Hall III in Lexington, New York. Sadly, in 1978, Oakley Hall III had a serious injury that ended his career. After this, the theatre staff started thinking about creating a new theatre in Albany.
On April 18, 1979, the leaders of Lexington Conservatory, Michael Van Landingham and Abraham Tetenbaum, announced their plans. They wanted to start a theatre in downtown Albany called Capital Repertory Company, or "Capital Rep." They had looked at many buildings and decided to turn a non-theatre building into a 450-seat theatre. Van Landingham explained that many of their audience members already came from the Albany area. He also noted that Albany didn't have a professional theatre during the winter.
To introduce the new company, they held an event called "The Break In" on April 19 and 20. This event featured music, videos, and scenes from past plays. It was the first time the name Capital Rep was used.
Moving to Albany
On March 21, 1980, Capital Rep put on its first full play, The Tavern, at the Egg Theatre in Albany. This play was directed by Peter Clough and featured many talented actors. Critics praised the show, saying it was a great start for the new theatre. Michael Van Landingham said they wanted Albany to be the main center for their shows. He was proud that they were doing something many people thought couldn't be done.
In July 1980, the company announced it would perform at Page Hall on the University of Albany campus. The university offered them free space, and in return, the theatre would provide learning chances for students. However, some people were worried because another professional theatre in the area had recently closed. They knew Capital Rep would need a lot of support to succeed.
By October 1980, Capital Rep decided to move to Albany permanently. They wanted to be closer to more people, as many of their summer audience members were from Albany. In December, they began their first full season at Page Hall. By June 1981, the theatre faced financial problems, and Michael Van Landingham resigned.
The Market Theatre Years
On August 31, 1981, Albany's Mayor, Erastus Corning 2nd, met with the new artistic directors, Bruce Bouchard and Peter Clough. This meeting helped the theatre find a new home in a former supermarket on North Pearl Street. The city of Albany owned this building.
On November 12, Mayor Corning announced that the theatre could use the old Grand Cash Market building rent-free for five years. The city would also pay for utilities for at least the first year. Clough and Bouchard were hopeful, even though they needed to raise a lot of money. They planned to open their new season in March 1982 with a play called Table Manners.
After a lot of building work, the Market Theatre opened on March 5, 1982. This building became the theatre's home for the next 39 years.
In 1995, Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill became the producing artistic director. Under her leadership, the theatre grew and became connected with Proctors Collaborative. In January 2025, she announced that the current season would be her last. In February 2025, the theatre announced that Miriam Weisfeld would take over as producing artistic director in September 2025. This shows a growing connection with the Adirondack Theatre Festival.
New Permanent Home
In 2021, Capital Rep moved to its new, modern building at 251 North Pearl Street.
The theatre is known for having many women in leadership roles. It also gives opportunities to women who work behind the scenes in theatre, in jobs that were traditionally done by men.
Amazing Shows
Capital Rep has put on many new plays and musicals for the very first time. Some of these include:
- Dreaming Emmett by Toni Morrison
- November by Don Nigro
- Saint Florence by Elizabeth Diggs
- Breaking Up Is Hard to Do by Neil Sedaka
- Grand View by William Kennedy
- Edges: A Song Cycle by Pasek and Paul
What Capital Rep Aims For
According to its website, Capital Rep's main goal is to "create a meaningful theatre generated from an authentic link to the community." This means they want to make plays that connect with the people of Albany and the surrounding areas.
Awards and Recognition
Capital Rep has received many awards for its work, including:
- Theatre Communications Group Playwright in Residence Award (1997)
- American Marketing Association Mark of Excellence Award (1996)
- Pew Charitable Trust National Theatre Artist Residency Program Award (1993)
- Kennedy Center Fund for New American Play Award (1988 & 1992)
- Foundation of the Dramatists Guild/CBS Awards (1984, 1986 & 1987)
- Business Committee for the Arts First Place National Award (1984)
- Outstanding New Enterprise - Albany/Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce (1983)
See also
- Lexington Conservatory Theatre
- League of Resident Theatres
- Regional Theatre
- Capital District
