Flint Youth Theatre Announces Major Expansion And Transformation

For over 60 years, Flint Youth Theatre has proudly served young people and their families, and today it takes a bold new step to offer more to all ages by transforming into the new Flint Repertory Theatre. This name change will go into effect immediately. Starting with the coming 2018/2019 season, a major expansion of the depth and breadth of its programming, as well as its mission, will position it as a professional, not-for-profit regional theatre.

"We are extremely proud of the work we've done over the past six decades with the support of our generous donors and the Flint Institute of Music, of which we are a part. We are now in a position to expand and serve more people in our community and in southeastern Michigan," said Michael Lluberes, Producing Artistic Director, Flint Repertory Theatre. "We have an exciting new commitment to provide highly imaginative, thought-provoking theatre that is challenging, entertaining and inspiring for all ages. We look forward to our future and to enriching the lives of those who share our passion for the performing arts."

Flint Youth Theatre, a true community treasure, will be under the new banner of Flint Repertory Theatre - or "The Rep." It will become a program of The Rep's Education Department and will present student driven productions that perform at the theatre and tour to local schools and community organizations.

Expanded Programs at The Rep

One of the biggest changes at The Rep will be expanded programming for adult audiences. The new "Signature Series" will offer a professional season of diverse plays and musicals. The 2018/2019 season titles will be announced on August 22 at The Rep's Season Announcement Party: https://thefim.org/events/fyt-season-announcement-party

Additionally, The Rep will considerably expand its commitment to develop new work for the stage. The newly created "Flint Rep Lab" will offer studio space and other resources to playwrights, composers and directors to workshop new plays and musicals. The Rep will expand their "New Works Festival" to establish a hub for creating original theatrical work that can only be seen in the city of Flint. After a successful inaugural festival last season, the second annual "New Works Festival" will be a three-day presentation of staged readings and workshops of world premiere plays and musicals with discussions between playwrights and audiences.

A multitude of new opportunities for professional theatre artists will be offered with the broadening of these programs.

The transformation to Flint Repertory Theatre will also create more options for those interested in learning more about what goes on behind the curtain or perfecting their craft on stage. An expanded alliance with the University of Michigan-Flint will provide theatre students an array of apprenticeship opportunities. Additionally, The Rep will now offer professional fellowships and adult classes.

Continuing Programs at The Rep

The Rep will continue to offer shows for the entire family under the "Theatre for Young Audience Series" which will present the best and brightest in the genre, including world premieres and wonderful re-imagined classics.

The popular "Learning Through Theatre" school matinee program will also continue to provide thousands of students from Genesee and surrounding counties with free or highly discounted tickets to The Rep's Theatre for Young Audience shows.

Year-round education classes, camps and workshops for every grade level will also remain a part of The Rep's offerings.

About Flint Repertory Theatre

Originally founded in 1957 as Flint Youth Theatre, the new Flint Repertory Theatre - also known as "The Rep" - is a professional, not-for-profit regional theatre located in the heart of Flint, Michigan. It is a program of the Flint Institute of Music and its mission is to provide the city of Flint and surrounding communities with highly imaginative, thought-provoking theatre that is challenging, entertaining and inspiring for all ages.

Along with a season of professional works and an annual festival featuring new work, The Rep offers educational programming for all ages. Facilities at The Rep include Bower, a 300-seat proscenium theatre; Elgood, a 150-seat thrust theatre; two rehearsal spaces; and, scenic and costume shops.

Funding for The Rep is primarily through individual and corporate donors including Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, James A. Welch Foundation, Whiting Foundation, Bower Charitable Trust and The Community Foundation of Greater Flint Endowment.

For more information about Flint Repertory Theatre, please visit www.FlintRep.org

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