League of Resident Theatres

League of Resident Theatres. The League of Resident Theatres (LORT) is a non-profit organization that represents 72 professional theatre companies in the United States, including Guthrie Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and American Conservatory Theater. Founded in 1969 at Princeton University in New Jersey, LORT aims to promote and support the growth of regional theatre through collaboration, resource sharing, and advocacy. LORT member theatres, such as Center Stage, Dallas Theater Center, and La Jolla Playhouse, produce a wide range of plays and musicals, from classics like William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to contemporary works by playwrights like August Wilson and Tony Kushner.

● History

The League of Resident Theatres was established in 1969 by a group of theatre leaders, including Zelda Fichandler of the Arena Stage and Ellen Stewart of the La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. The organization's early years were marked by a focus on artistic collaboration and resource sharing among member theatres, with companies like Yale Repertory Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre participating in co-productions and artist exchanges. LORT also played a key role in the development of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), with NEA Chairman Nancy Hanks and TCG Executive Director Teresa Eyring serving on the LORT Board of Directors. Throughout its history, LORT has worked closely with other arts organizations, including the Drama League, Theatre Development Fund, and Americans for the Arts, to promote the interests of professional theatre in the United States.

● Member Theatres

LORT member theatres are a diverse group of professional theatre companies, including regional theatres like Seattle Repertory Theatre and Huntington Theatre Company, as well as Off-Broadway theatres like Public Theater and Vineyard Theatre. Other member theatres, such as Goodman Theatre and South Coast Repertory, have a strong focus on new play development and world premieres, while companies like McCarter Theatre Center and Paper Mill Playhouse produce a mix of classics and contemporary works. LORT member theatres have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including Tony Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, and Obie Awards, with playwrights like Lanford Wilson and Beth Henley premiering their work at LORT theatres. Many LORT member theatres, such as Actors Theatre of Louisville and Oregon Shakespeare Festival, also participate in national tours and international festivals, showcasing American theatre to audiences around the world.

● Governance and Structure

The League of Resident Theatres is governed by a Board of Directors composed of theatre leaders from member companies, including artistic directors like Oskar Eustis of the Public Theater and Molly Smith of Arena Stage. The organization is led by an Executive Director, currently Thomas Hall, who works closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement LORT's strategic plan. LORT also has a number of committees and task forces focused on specific areas, such as diversity and inclusion, new play development, and advocacy, with representatives from member theatres like Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Center Stage. The organization's annual conference brings together theatre leaders from across the country to discuss key issues and share best practices, with keynote speakers like Anna Deavere Smith and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

● Programs and Initiatives

The League of Resident Theatres offers a range of programs and initiatives to support its member theatres, including professional development opportunities like workshops and mentoring programs, as well as grant programs and funding initiatives. LORT also provides research and data analysis to help member theatres better understand their audiences and communities, with studies and reports on topics like diversity and inclusion and arts education. The organization's New Play Initiative supports the development of new plays and musicals, with workshops and readings at member theatres like La Jolla Playhouse and Guthrie Theater. LORT also partners with other arts organizations, such as the National New Play Network and the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, to promote the interests of professional theatre and support the growth of new plays and musicals.

● Impact and Influence

The League of Resident Theatres has had a significant impact on the American theatre landscape, with member theatres producing a wide range of plays and musicals that showcase the best of American theatre. LORT's focus on artistic collaboration and resource sharing has helped to foster a sense of community and cooperation among member theatres, with companies like Yale Repertory Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre working together on co-productions and artist exchanges. The organization's advocacy efforts have also helped to promote the interests of professional theatre in the United States, with LORT working closely with other arts organizations like the Theatre Communications Group and the Drama League to support the growth and development of American theatre. As a result, LORT member theatres have become a vital part of the cultural landscape of the United States, with companies like Steppenwolf Theatre Company and American Conservatory Theater producing world-class theatre that showcases the best of American talent and creativity.