Southern Rep facts for kids
Southern Rep (Southern Rep Theatre) is a special theater group in New Orleans, Louisiana. It's a member of two big theater groups: National New Play Network and Theatre Communications Group. These groups help theaters share new plays and work together.
Southern Rep was started in 1986 by Dr. Rosary O'Neill. Now, Aimee Hayes is in charge as the Producing Artistic Director. Southern Rep has even won an award from the Governor of Louisiana for being a great arts organization!
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The Story of Southern Rep
Southern Rep was started in 1986 by a writer and expert named Dr. Rosary O'Neill. At first, the theater focused on plays that showed the history and culture of the Southern United States.
From 2002 to 2007, Ryan Rilette became the Producing Artistic Director. During this time, Southern Rep started to focus on creating new plays by American writers. They also showed new plays from other parts of the country for the first time in their region. This is when they joined the National New Play Network.
Marieke Gaboury worked as the Managing Director from 2010 to 2012. Aimee Hayes became the Artistic Director in 2008. She left in 2020. As of August 2021, Sacha Grandoit is the Interim Artistic Director.
In 2019, Southern Rep found a permanent home. They moved into the building that used to be the St Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Where Southern Rep Has Performed
Like many theater groups, Southern Rep has performed in several different places over the years. Their main location used to be at One Canal Place.
They have also put on shows at:
- Mid-City Theater
- Loyola University's Marquette Hall
- Michalopoulos Studio
- Ursuline Academy auditorium theater
- Ashé Power House theater
- The Contemporary Arts Center
Facing Hurricane Katrina
In 2005, a very powerful storm called Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Because of the hurricane and its effects, Southern Rep had to close its doors for a while.
But the theater didn't stay closed for long! They worked hard and were able to open again to the public just a few months after Hurricane Katrina.
Past Plays and Shows
You can find a list of all the plays Southern Rep has put on over the years here:
- Southern Rep Theatre Productions
