Business Details
46 Years
experience
Professional Theater Productions in Albany, NY
Capital Repertory Theatre has been a cornerstone of professional theater in the Capital Region since 1980. Founded as Lexington Conservatory Theatre in 1976, we relocated to Albany and established ourselves as the region's only League of Resident Theatres (LORT) member, producing over 300 shows across 6,000 performances. Our mission centers on creating meaningful theatre with authentic community connections, demonstrated through world premieres, educational outreach programs like On-The-Go touring productions, and community initiatives such as Neighbors for Neighbors. With a permanent home at 251 North Pearl Street since 2020, we operate a 300-seat thrust-stage theatre, black box space, and rehearsal facilities while maintaining strong partnerships with Proctors Collaborative.Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evidenced by our Associate Artist program, free community events, and support for underrepresented voices through initiatives like the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York. The theatre has premiered works by Pulitzer Prize winners and emerging playwrights alike, including Toni Morrison, William Kennedy, and Next Act New Play Summit participants. Our educational programs serve thousands of students annually through school matinees, summer camps, and in-school residencies led by professional teaching artists. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on community support to maintain our position as a catalyst for creativity in the region.
Services
Theater productions
Educational programs
Community events
Play development
School tours
Youth camps
Space rentals
New play workshops
Cultural programs
Story hour sessions
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of professional theater experience since our founding in 1976
- Our Next Act New Play Summit develops groundbreaking works for the American stage
- We provide free community programs through Neighbors for Neighbors and Story Hour series
- Our permanent home features state-of-the-art facilities including two performance spaces
- We maintain strong educational partnerships with local schools and arts organizations
What people say
Exceptional performances
Engaging educational programs
Vibrant community events
Professional production quality
Inclusive programming
Services
Theater productions
We produce professional theatrical performances ranging from classic plays to contemporary works and world premieres. Our mainstage season features diverse productions that entertain and challenge audiences, with a focus on both established classics and new voices in American theater. The 300-seat thrust-stage theater provides an intimate setting for experiencing live performance.
Educational programs
Our educational initiatives include school matinees, summer camps, and in-school residencies that bring theater arts to students of all ages. Professional teaching artists lead workshops and classes that develop creative skills while aligning with educational standards, serving thousands of students annually through hands-on learning experiences.
Community events
Through Neighbors for Neighbors and other initiatives, we offer free community events including holiday celebrations, book readings, and cultural programs. These events foster community connections and provide accessible arts experiences for residents of all ages in the Arbor Hill neighborhood and beyond.
Play development
The Next Act New Play Summit supports the creation of new theatrical works through readings, workshops, and staged presentations. This program helps develop plays from concept to production-ready scripts, with selected works advancing to full mainstage productions and regional tours.
Space rentals
Our facilities include rental spaces for special events, meetings, and performances. The Pearl Side Presents program offers discounted rental rates to community organizations, making our state-of-the-art theater spaces accessible for various cultural and civic purposes.
People
Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill
Producing Artistic Director
Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill has led Capital Repertory Theatre since 1995, directing its artistic vision and growth. She founded the Next Act New Play Summit and expanded educational programs while maintaining the theater's commitment to diversity and community engagement.
Jean Leonard
President
Jean Leonard serves as President of Proctors Collaborative, overseeing operations for Capital Repertory Theatre and affiliated organizations. With extensive experience in arts administration, she guides strategic initiatives and community partnerships across the collaborative's venues.
Barbara Howard
Associate Artist
Barbara Howard is a professional actress and elementary school teacher who leads theREP's Story Hour series. As an Associate Artist, she develops educational content that promotes cultural awareness and diversity for young audiences in the Capital Region.
Questions
What types of productions does Capital Repertory Theatre offer?
We produce a diverse season including classic plays, contemporary works, world premieres, and family-friendly productions across multiple performance spaces.
Are there educational opportunities for students?
Yes, we offer school matinees, summer camps, in-school residencies, and youth acting programs for students of all ages and experience levels.
How can community groups access theater facilities?
Through our Pearl Side Presents program, community organizations can rent theater spaces at reduced rates for cultural and civic events.
What community initiatives does the theater support?
Our Neighbors for Neighbors program includes free Story Hour sessions, holiday events, school partnerships, and support for local artists and organizations.
How does the theater develop new plays?
The Next Act New Play Summit provides workshops, readings, and development opportunities for emerging playwrights, with selected works advancing to full productions.
Where is the theater located?
Our permanent home is at 251 North Pearl Street in Albany, NY, featuring a 300-seat mainstage theater and 100-seat black box performance space.
