We have file drawers full of testimonials from our audience, our Actors Workshop participants and our playwrights. We’ve lost track of the number of awards received for theatrical excellence and community outreach. Critical reviews are also a part of our process of constantly taking our work to a higher level. Here is a small selection from those files:

Representative AWARDS and CITATIONS
The Detroit Repertory Theatre has been honored by the State of MI, Detroit City Council, Office of Wayne County Executive, City of Detroit, MI Council for the Arts, US Senators Donald W. Riegle, Jr. and Carl Levin.

The National AEA Rosetta LeNoire Award: “commitment to exemplary artistic standards, non-traditional casting, and numerous outreach and education initiatives...From its earliest days your stage has reflected society as a true tapestry of all ethnicities...The dedication to diversity casting and nontraditional gender casting has set a shining example of inclusion and expanded opportunities for all.”

The Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award: “your leadership and work in the arts have uplifted and educated so many about the struggle for human dignity, peace, and justice... contributions to our country, city, and community are legendary...a shining example of how compassion for others keeps the legacy of Dr. King alive.”

Wayne County Community Service Award: “having encouraged positive change, provided outstanding direction and service for the betterment of life for all people.”

Detroit Chapter of NOW: “outstanding dedication to serving the metropolitan Detroit community in providing theatre that frequently presents important issues of concern to women.”

Michigan Coalition for Human Rights Community Service Award.

Metro Times 20 Arts and Cultural Experiences You Must Have in Detroit – “All productions have a prestige factor, with quality sets, pitch-perfect lighting design, and a tight technical ensemble that keeps productions at the Rep on-time and humming.”

Oakland Press: “44 years of producing challenging plays, serving the community though educational programs and providing opportunities for scores of local theatre workers.”

Michigan’s highest artistic award, The Governor’s Arts Award.

Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington D. C.: “for pioneer efforts to artistically serve the underserved”;

Howard University Alumni Award for outstanding community service;

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Southeast Michigan for a lifetime of Community Service;

The History and Humanities Award from Wayne County Council of Arts, History and Humanities;

The Thank You Award from the City of Detroit, Quicken Loans, Detroit Smart Pages Newspaper, and Detroit Development Fund. See video below.

The Rep’s impressive array of cultural and artistic achievements prompted Senator Carl Levin to proclaim on the floor of the U. S. Senate that the Detroit Repertory Theatre was a “cultural miracle and a gem of Detroit.”