Statements
Mission
The mission of the Nashville Repertory Theatre is to entertain and inspire by creating exceptional theatre that explores the diversity of human experience.
Our vision is to be a strong and vital professional regional theatre that is an indispensable part of our community's creative life, widely embraced and deeply valued as an essential source for illuminating artistic experiences, engaging diverse groups in conversation about contemporary issues and providing exciting entertainment. As such, we strive to be recognized as a model of sustainability that is home for a diverse, thriving community of professional artists, and whose name is synonymous with excellence in every aspect.
As Oscar Wilde said, 'Theatre is the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it means to be human.' We believe there are few things more important than reminding Nashvillians of their shared humanity as a means of building community.
Background
Nashville Repertory Theatre was founded in 1985 by Martha Rivers Ingram & Mac Pirkle, and is celebrating 40 years as Nashville's leading professional theatre and the resident theatre company of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Each year, more than 35,000 community members experience a Nashville Rep production, special event, or outreach program.
The Rep's annual program of work includes a main stage season, a nationally-recognized new play development program, professional development & education initiatives, engagement & outreach activities, and several special events, supplemented by a props & costume rental operation.
The company employs 18 full time staff year-round. During the 9-month production season, the Rep contracts on average over 250 actors, playwrights, designers, directors, musicians, technicians, & educators each year, making it the leading employer of theatrical artists in the region.
The Rep is recognized as a theatrical company of the highest quality. It has been named "Best Performing Arts Organization" by Nashville Business Journal, "Best Performing Arts Company" and "Best Professional Theatre" by Nashville Scene (5 years running), "Best Local Theatre" by The Tennessean, & was formally recognized for 35 years of service to the community by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville. Its event "Broadway Brunch" has been named the "Best Charity Event" by the Scene and the "Best Arts Event" by nFocus. The company's artists have been honored with awards from the Nashville Business Journal, Nfocus, the First Night Awards, Nashville Scene, The Tennessean, & more.
The Ingram New Works Project, the Rep's new play development program, has been recognized at the national level. Since 2009, the project has fostered the creation of more than 70 new American plays. Of those, 30% have won major awards, & 50% have been produced across the country, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, & the NYC Fringe Festival. In 2019, Theatre Communications Group & American Theatre Magazine recognized Martha Rivers Ingram, the founder of the program, for her role in expanding the landscape of American theatre and specifically for its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and creating representation on American stages. In 2023, the program expanded to premiere new musical works for Nashville audiences.
New for fiscal year 2025 is the Young Stars program, a fully-produced professional musical performed entirely by youth.
Impact
1. We are Nashville and Middle Tennessee's premiere regional theater company. Over 35000 people saw a Nashville Rep show or participated in our programs last year. These folks are your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers. Supporting Nashville Rep is entertaining and inspiring your community.
2. We are creating the next generation of theatre goers. Over 10,000 Metro Nashville Public School students took a field trip to see a Nashville Rep show last year. Supporting the Rep is supporting our schools.
3. Last year, we gave almost 2500 tickets to our community partners. These include Child and Family Services, Thistle Farms, Oasis Center, 100 Black Men, the Johnson Learning Center, Hope Kids, and Renewal House. Supporting the Rep means serving those who have been marginalized and underserved.
4. We give back to our community.Our engagement programs gave over 1000 Nashvillians free theatre last year. Supporting the Rep means supporting our community's quality of life. Quality of life is one of the leading factors in businesses attracting employees to our city and retaining them once they are here.
5. We teach life skills through theatre.Last year, over 300 young people participated in our transformational youth programs. Supporting the Rep means increasing students success rates, particularly in those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.
6. We remain the region's largest employer of theatrical talent. With over 200 artists and technicians employed each year, supporting Nashville Rep is supporting the creative economy.
7. We help young people enter the workforce. Last year, we trained 33 technicians and artists through our apprenticeship programs and entry level positions.
Supporting the Rep is Workforce Development.
8. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. The Rep creating an inclusive organization and encourages all to participate, both on and off the stage, and continues to strive to be a model of equity and diversity in the local arts community. We have one of the most diverse boards of the city's major organizations, and board level leadership continues to push us in this area. Last season 58% of the actors on our stages were artists of color.
9. We believe partnership is the most efficient means to pursue our mission. Events in recent years brought new partnerships with community non-profits to expand the conversation regarding topics presented on stage and offer resources to the community to address them. Recent productions have resulted in community conversation surrounding the school to prison pipeline, the impact of mental health upon family, and racial identity in America. Partnerships (including free tickets to constituents of each group) included Oasis Center, Metro Juvenile Court, NOAH, GANG, Metro Human Relations Commission, Centerstone, Gordon Jewish Community Center and National Museum of African American Music, among others. For our production of "Ragtime" alone, the Rep engaged community with 14 different programs tied to the themes of the play.
Needs
Our most pressing needs include:
1. Affordable space - The quickly rising rent costs in Nashville coming at the same time that Nashville Rep is growing and needs more space is a mission critical issue. At present, Nashville Rep is operating from 7 different locations across the city, and we still need to rent event space for special programs.
2. Educational funding- Due to the recent challenges at Metro Arts, funding that supports two of our most transformative programs is significantly delayed. In addition, Metro Arts stated desire to redirect its funding will cause a dramatic cut in our allocation when it does. We offer our educational programs for free, and they serve some of our most at-risk youth. We must replace the Metro Arts funding if we care continue to offer these.
CEO Statement
From Executive Director Drew Ogle:
Often when I am with audiences and funders, I speak about the economic value of the arts. In Tennessee, the financial impact of the arts is tremendous. Every $1 invested in the arts generates over $4 in earned income. The arts attract newcomers and business to our city, and the arts drive tourism. This is why Nashville Rep receives support from a wide variety of stakeholders: individuals, businesses, the nonprofit sector, schools, and city, state, and federal government. So vital are the arts to our economic health, that sometimes we forget how vital the arts are to our happiness, well-being, and connection to our community.
Of all the arts, theatre, in particular, deeply connects us.
We performers stand on the stage and tell our stories and sing our songs. You join us in a darkened theatre. And for a brief moment in time, we all feel something, together. We can experience great joy, we can witness deep sorrow. We laugh and we cry, together.
Did you know that our heartbeats actually synchronize when we see a show together? Theatre reminds us that, despite any distinctions, we are all part of the same human tapestry.
In this world, where there are plenty of things that can divide us, I'm so grateful that theatre brings us together. And I'm proud that this is the way that Nashville Rep serves our community.
Sincerely,
Drew Ogle
Executive Director
Board Chair Statement
From Board President, Mark Peacock, M.D. :
Why do I give to Nashville Repertory Theater? Because quality theatre is not inexpensive to produce, but Nashville Rep is committed to keeping its ticket prices affordable for our community. Charitable giving is essential to meet the budget needs and sustain this important company.
So do yourself a favor. Buy some tickets. Attend a show. And see for yourself how wonderful the Rep shows are.
Then do me a favor and join me as a donor committed to keeping local theatre thriving in Nashville.
Sincerely,
Mark Peacock, M.D.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Arts, Culture & Humanities - Theater |
| Secondary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development Programs |
| Tertiary Category: | Education - Adult Education |
Areas Served
Middle Tennessee: Davidson County and surrounding counties
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Hickman |
| TN - Trousdale |
| TN - Cannon |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Bedford |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Marshall |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
