<p>Greetings,</p>
<p>I thought I would join in this current discussion since it was hinted that it might be a good idea.<br>
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis was founded by Webster College in 1966. It was a major activity of the College until 1970 when it closed for a year for a reorganization and emerged as a separate not-for-profit entity that has a very integrated working relationship with (now) Webster University and The Rep.</p>
<p>This season, five of the twelve productions produced in The Rep’s season had students in the cast. The actual opportunities are never guaranteed and are available pending the nature of the plays, the number of Equity contracts and the opportunity/need for young people in the cast. Each season varies and, as previously mentioned, the first production next season will utilize three students.</p>
<p>There is a 41 year relationship with the Conservatory and The Rep. It is the longest continuing partnership that I know about in the country. The overlapping opportunities are real and valid. The students do take advantage of those opportunities as they wish. It is (from a biased point of view) a healthy and positive relationship. The Artistic Director for The Rep is dedicated to the training of young artists and is a member of the Acting faculty. Real overlaps do exist.</p>
<p>I would recommend going to Webster’s web page and contacting me should you have specific personal questions that I might answer.</p>