A Brief History of the Rep
Founded by James P. Reber in 1980 as San Jose’s first resident professional theatre, the Rep soon became the fastest growing regional theatre in the country.
The arrival of Timothy Near as Artistic Director in 1987 signalled a more focused commitment to making the Rep an integral part of the life of San Jose. Ms. Near gave the Rep a mission to produce plays that spoke to the city’s diverse community both directly or by inflection. Innovative productions of the classics, combined with daring contemporary works and a commitment to developing new plays, have won the Rep a distinctive identity and respected place in American theatre.
The company’s 1997 move from the quaint but restrictive old Montgomery Theatre into a new, purpose-built home in the heart of downtown enhanced its ability to offer San Jose a wide range of programming, produced to the highest artistic and technical standards.
Meanwhile, the Rep’s imaginative education and outreach programs —particularly its Red Ladder Theatre Company for disadvantaged youth and other underserved groups—have enabled the Rep to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life in the broader community.
As it celebrates 25 years of progress and achievement, the Rep remains as dynamic and forward-looking as ever but will always uphold its commitment to serve, reflect and enrich the lives of the community that has nurtured it.