Trinity Repertory Company
History
The Trinity Repertory Company, often referred to as Trinity Rep, is a professional theater company based in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1963 by Adrian Hall, the company has been a staple of the Providence arts scene for over half a century. Hall's vision was to create a resident acting company that would provide the city with a variety of theatrical productions, including both classic works and new plays.
In 1973, Trinity Rep was awarded the Regional Theatre Tony Award, recognizing its contributions to the American theater landscape. The company has also been the recipient of more than 60 awards from the New England Theatre Conference and the Boston Theatre Critics Association.
Resident Acting Company
One of the defining characteristics of Trinity Rep is its resident acting company, a rarity in the American theater scene. The company is committed to nurturing the talents of its actors, providing them with the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles and styles. The resident acting company has been a launching pad for many successful careers in theater, film, and television.
Educational Programs
Trinity Rep also places a strong emphasis on education and community engagement. The company's education programs reach more than 15,000 students each year through Project Discovery, a program that offers student matinees, in-school workshops, and a summer theater camp. Trinity Rep's Active Imagination Network (AIN) offers specially designed performances for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Facilities
Trinity Rep operates out of the Lederer Theater Center, a historic building located in downtown Providence. The center houses two performance spaces: the 500-seat Chace Theater and the 300-seat Dowling Theater. Both theaters are designed to create an intimate viewing experience, with no audience member sitting more than 50 feet from the stage.
Artistic Leadership
Trinity Rep has had only five artistic directors in its history. Adrian Hall served as the company's founding artistic director from 1963 to 1989. He was succeeded by Anne Bogart, who served from 1989 to 1991, and Richard Jenkins, who served from 1991 to 1994. Oskar Eustis served as artistic director from 1994 to 2005, before leaving to take the helm at the Public Theater in New York City. The current artistic director, Curt Columbus, took over in 2006.
Notable Productions
Over the years, Trinity Rep has produced a number of notable productions. These include the world premieres of "The Prince of Providence" by George Brant and "The Completely Fictional—Utterly True—Final Strange Tale of Edgar Allan Poe" by Stephen Thorne. The company is also known for its annual production of "A Christmas Carol," which has become a beloved holiday tradition in Providence.