theatre company

A theatrical company, or theatrical group, is a professional ensemble of actors and other stage professionals who dedicate their lives to their craft. These companies emerged during the Renaissance urbanization, with early troupes typically consisting of five to 16 actors. The development of professional theatre companies introduced a new element to theatre: professional virtuosity.

The modern repertory company, a refined example of the ensemble, maintains a continuous production schedule. New plays or revivals are added to a repertoire, while older productions are removed. Famous examples include the Comédie-Française, the Moscow Art Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. These companies often train young actors, establishing traditions and nurturing national playwrights. The Group Theatre, founded in 1931, significantly influenced American theatre by promoting social significance in plays and establishing a unified acting method.12