Capital Repertory Theatre facts for kids
The Capital Repertory Theatre, often called Capital Rep or just theREP, is a professional theater in Albany, New York. It has 309 seats. Capital Rep is special because it's the only theater in the Capital District that belongs to the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). This means they follow special rules and agreements with groups like Actors' Equity Association, which represents actors and other theater workers.
In 2021, the theater moved to a new building at 251 N. Pearl Street in Albany, New York. It is now one of three places connected to Proctors Collaborative. The artistic team includes Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, Margaret E. Hall, and other talented artists.
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History of Capital Rep
The story of Capital Rep began with the Lexington Conservatory Theatre in Lexington, New York. It was started in 1976 by Oakley Hall III. In 1978, after Hall had an accident, the staff of Lexington Conservatory Theatre started looking into creating a new theater in Albany.
On April 18, 1979, Michael Van Landingham and Abraham Tetenbaum announced their plans. They would create a theater in downtown Albany called Capital Repertory Company, or "Capital Rep." They wanted to have shows from fall through spring. They looked at many buildings and decided to turn a non-theater building into a 450-seat theater. Van Landingham explained that many of their past audience members came from the Capital District. Also, there was no professional theater in Albany during the winter.
To introduce themselves, the company held an event called "The Break In" on April 19 and 20. This event included music, videos, and scenes from past plays. It was the first time the name Capital Rep was used.
On March 21, 1980, Capital Rep put on its first full play, The Tavern, at the Egg Theatre in Albany. Critics liked the show, and it helped the new group get ready for its first "real" season. Van Landingham said they wanted Albany to be the center of their work. He was proud that they were doing something many people thought couldn't be done.
In July 1980, the company announced they would perform at Page Hall on the University of Albany campus. The college offered them free space. In return, the theater would provide learning chances for students.
Some people worried about the new theater because another professional company had recently closed. An editorial in the Troy Times Record said that Capital Rep would need support from everyone who believed a major region needed a professional theater. In October 1980, it was decided that the theater would move permanently to Albany.
In December 1980, Capital Rep began its first full season at Page Hall. However, by June 1981, the theater was in debt, and its future was unclear. Michael Van Landingham resigned.
On August 31, 1981, Albany Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd met with the new artistic directors, Bruce Bouchard and Peter Clough. The mayor helped the theater find a new home in a former supermarket on North Pearl Street, which the city owned.
On November 12, Mayor Corning announced that the theater could use the old Grand Cash Market building for five years without paying rent. The city would even pay for utilities for the first year. Clough and Bouchard were hopeful, but they still needed to raise money for their budget and pay off old debts. Many local leaders and groups offered their help. The theater planned to open its new season in March 1982 with the play Table Manners.
After a lot of building work, the Market Theatre opened on March 5, 1982. This building was the theater's home for the next 39 years. In 1995, Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill became the producing artistic director. In 2021, the theater moved to its current location at 251 North Pearl Street.
What Shows Do They Put On?
Capital Rep has put on many brand new plays and musicals for the first time ever. 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 is Their Goal?
According to their website, Capital Rep's main goal is to "create 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 reflect their lives.
Awards and Recognition
Capital Rep has won 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)
Learn More
- Lexington Conservatory Theatre
- League of Resident Theatres
- Regional Theatre
- Capital District
