Definition

Noun: A repertory company is a theatrical company that performs a set list of plays (a repertoire) in rotation, rather than performing a single play for an extended run.

Usage

A repertory company typically has a resident ensemble of actors and stages several different productions in a single season. This allows audiences to see multiple plays and allows actors to perform in different roles.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Institutional Context: The term often implies a certain artistic tradition and a commitment to presenting classic works or a diverse range of plays.
• Distinction from "Stock Company": While similar, a traditional "stock company" historically performed a different play each week, whereas a repertory company rotates its plays within a season.

Variants and Related Words

• Repertory (noun): The collection of plays, operas, or roles that a company or performer is prepared to present.
  • The theatre has a vast repertory of modern and classic works.
• Repertoire (noun): A broader term for the range of skills, pieces, or performances that a person or company is prepared to present. Often used interchangeably with "repertory" in theatrical contexts.

Synonyms

• Theatre company (a more general term)
• Stage company
• Acting troupe (though this may not imply a fixed repertoire)

Related Phrases

• In repertory: Describes the system of performing different plays from a repertoire on a rotating schedule.
  • The three productions are running in repertory this month.

Noun

1. a theatrical company that performs plays from a repertoire