The Rep has long been interested in acquiring a smaller, more intimate theatre in which we could produce smaller shows. Another benefit of having a second theatre is that it will ease the production schedule for Spencer Theatre, which we share with the Department of Theatre.

The Rep will be the first new professional theatre to be constructed downtown. We see this expansion downtown as solidifying our position as a leader in the cultural, social and economic life of the city.

Our producing artistic director Peter Altman is a firm believer that live theatre needs to have a strong connection to the heart of the city. Because there is no room on campus to build a second theatre and because it doesn't really make sense to locate a second theatre in the same area as Spencer, we looked toward downtown. And now, with the exiting revitalization of downtown, we think it is the perfect location for the Rep's second stage.

Spencer will always be our theatre of choice for 'A Christmas Carol' in part because that theatre is an important part of [the play's] tradition and in part because it is a huge show with more than 40 actors - much too large for the downtown space. Of course, Spencer is the only option for larger musicals, plays with more than five or six actors, and productions with more complicated set changes.

Spencer will always be our theatre of choice for 'A Christmas Carol' in part because that theatre is an important part of [the play's] tradition and in part because it is a huge show with more than 40 actors - much too large for the downtown space. Of course, Spencer is the only option for larger musicals, plays with more than five or six actors, and productions with more complicated set changes.

Musical theatre is my first love.