Local Group Will Initiate New Theatre

A repertory theatre, headed by persons closely associated with Harvard drama in the past, will definitely open in Cambridge in the spring, Stephen Aaron '57 disclosed yesterday.

According to Aaron, the roster of the Cambridge Repertory Theatre, which is capitalized at $100,000, will consist of 15 actors and actresses, three directors, and a complement of technicians and office staff. John Eyre '57, Dean Gitter '56, and Colgate Salisbury '57 organized the group together with Aaron.

"Negotiations are now in progress for theatre sites in Cambridge," Aaron stated. Current plans call for a 400-seat, air-cooled structure. He added that, while the final stage arrangement will depend on the site selected, the directors hope to achieve the most flexible theatre possible. "We hope to be able to use the stage with and without a proscenium," he said.

Aaron explained that the company will present both classical and contemporary drama. Although in the beginning there is to be no resident playwright, new plays will be sought for production.

Rehearsals for the company's first presentation will begin in January with the opening date set for March 1. Present plans provide for eleven plays during the year, Aaron said. Each will run for four weeks with a one-week return engagement for two of them.

Auditions are currently being held to fill acting positions. The salary of every member of the company, including the managing directors, will be $40 per week, with contracts running one year. In addition, there will be ten unsalaried associate performers.

To lead the resident company in a series of classroom exercises in voice and body, three instructors from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art are to visit at different times during the production year.

Several Harvard professors, Aaron said, have given their enthusiastic encouragement and advice to the project.