SRT Mission

Founded as a not for profit organization in 2003, the mission of Salem Repertory Theatre is to play a vital role in the cultural life of Salem and the region by:

Creating professional theatrical productions of the highest standard.
Challenging artists and audiences with plays of depth and vibrancy that illuminate the strengths, frailties, and diversity of the human condition.
Providing an artistic home for a diverse company of theatre professionals, including a resident acting company.
Establishing and maintaining education and outreach programs for all ages consistent with the artistic mission of the theatre.

Notes on Our Mission

In the last five years, a group of professional theatre artists in the Willamette valley have come together with a dream of the future for the performing arts and the cultural enrichment of Salem.

This ambitious vision is born of a belief in both the power of art and the potential of Oregon's capital city to not only support, but nurture, what we believe will be the first of many professional performing arts groups in Salem.

Salem Repertory Theatre, the capital's first professional theatre company, is committed to bringing theatrical works that entertain, enlighten, provoke and inspire-works that not only reflect our common humanity, but celebrate and embrace our differences.

Salem Repertory has taken great strides in fulfilling its stated mission of bringing high-quality professional theatre to Salem, contributing to the economic well-being of Salem, and maintaining several successful educational programs for all ages. SRT has achieved these goals with the generous support of over 300 private donors, several foundations and granting organizations, nearly a dozen corporate and small-business sponsors, and the patronage of over 20,000 supporters of the arts.

In the last several years, SRT has built a resident company of professional actors, designers and stage managers. This company is peopled largely with local artists from the Willamette Valley and Portland, promoting both local and regional employment.

Additionally, SRT has become a leader in promoting the performing arts in education throughout the Willamette Valley. In the last two years, SRT’s Educational Access Program has presented matinee and evening performances of its plays to thousands of high-school students in and around the Willamette Valley at no cost to students. This unique educational program was originally co-sponsored and funded in partnership with The Spirit Mountain Community Fund, The Meyer Trust, Western Oregon University and The Marion County Cultural Corporation.

The founding members of SRT and its diverse board of directors are committed to the ideals of professional quality theatre that challenges artists and audiences, a cohesive professional core of regional talent, and educational programs that help shape the minds and imaginations of young Oregonians.

David Janoviak
Founder and Artistic Director,
Salem Repertory Theatre