Final answer:
Repertory theatre involves presenting various plays within a season by regional theatres, which can have multiple performance spaces and may focus on different types of productions. There are over 1400 Regional Theatres in the U.S., with their own seasons and spaces, and the practice dates back to the 19th-century stock company system. The collaborative effort between actors and directors is crucial for the success of repertory theatre.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Repertory Theatre
To perform in repertory refers to the practice of presenting a series of plays during a set period of time by a repertory theatre. These theatres, often known as regional theatres, are found across the U.S., including areas like New York City, and feature their own seasons of shows. They might even host a resident company encompassing actors and other creatives. With typically more than one performance space, these venues manage to cater to varied productions, from large scale main stage presentations to more intimate readings and workshops.
With over 1400 Regional Theatres in the country, each theatre offers a unique season and has the ability to produce shows using their own facilities. While some theatres on multiple stages may run different productions concurrently, others focus on fostering new works, like Berkley Repertory Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse.
The historical context of repertory theatre evolved from the 19th century, where stock companies featured actors playing several roles across numerous plays with a set salary. As times changed, the trend shifted from the repertory to the star system and eventually, to the single play/long run format, particularly in theaters in New York. However, regardless of changes in theatre culture, performers and directors in repertory theatre need to build a strong relationship based on trust to deliver consistent performances, allowing for adjustments according to live theatrical dynamics.