Closely associated with Wayne State University near Detroit, the Hilberry Theatre is a true "graduate rotating repertory theatre," according to management information. With 50 graduate-level professionals in the company, Hilberry Repertory Theatre combines the quality of expert theatre productions with the learning experience available at a major university.
Seven distinct performances are presented from October through May at Hilberry Theatre, following a format first created in 1963. The long history of this Detroit-area venue has provided training for some of the finest actors in the world today. Hilberry Theatre's programs first existed as the vision of Leonard Leone and the university president at the time, Clarence B. Hilberry, led the fund-raising effort to get the program established.
Initially staged in the renovated First Church of Christ Scientist in Detroit, Hilberry Theatre's productions were supported over the decades by a group called "The Understudies." This group of community leaders was responsible for the continued success of Hilberry.
Company productions from Hilberry Repertory Theatre have been asked to perform at Ford's Theatre and The Kennedy Center in Washington D. C. as well as overseas in various locations. Recent productions have been chosen as best play and directors have been recognized as best director several times (in the Detroit area). In addition to the 50 fine performers, Hilberry Repertory Theatre has a full complement of costume professionals, lighting and scene experts etc. Company members not only go on to successful acting careers in other theatres but also teaching in many places, using the experience gained at Hilberry. Michigan's most-attended theatre, the Hilberry, has subscribers from not only Detroit and surrounding counties, but from as far away as Ohio and Canada.
