If you’re subscribed to this newsletter, chances are you already know a thing or two about the Rep. Maybe you’ve seen a play, or even become a member. But just how well do you know the Montana Repertory Theatre? Dive deeper into who we are, what we do and why we do it in our recent Q&A with Michael Legg.
What sets MRT apart from the other theatre companies in Montana?
Our focus on new works. Each season we commission playwrights from all over the country to write plays specifically for us. So when you come to see a show at the Rep, chances are it’s the very first time the show’s ever been seen. Our commitment to telling new stories for and about the people who live here is part of our mission.
What is your favorite part about being MRT's artistic director?
Getting to meet and getting to know the people who come to see our shows. Learning more about Montana and its stories. I followed our state-wide tour show last year and was able to see huge chunks of the state and meet people from all over. Plus I just like living here – Missoula is a great place to be.
What does it mean to be a professional Equity theatre, and why is it important?
Part of our mission is education. We’re the professional theatre-in-residence at the University of Montana. And we invite theatre students to be a part of our productions and learn alongside professionals – so they’ll be better equipped to succeed when they leave Missoula and begin their careers. Also, because we bring in professional actors, designers, etc., it means Montana gets to see theatre that’s every bit as good as you’d see in Seattle or Portland or Chicago without ever leaving the state.
What is something we can expect to see from MRT in the future?
We’re going to continue to focus on theatre as an experience – to stretch the boundaries of what theatre can be -- through our Plays on Tap series. Plus we’ll continue to tell good stories and to tell them well.
What do you see as MRT's biggest strength and biggest challenge this year or overall?
Without a doubt – the biggest challenge has been COVID. We’re not able to gather and the conventional wisdom is that people have to gather to experience it. And the actors and designers and technicians have to gather in order to produce it. If we can’t make theatre, we can’t earn money. And if we can’t earn money, then we can’t survive. So figuring out alternative ways to produce – ways that also make people feel safe, has been incredibly difficult. But two of our strengths are creativity and innovation – so we’re going to keep figuring out how to keep telling stories.
