A local family has given the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis a sizeable 50th anniversary gift: $1 million.
The endowment from the Augustin family will support The Rep’s Steven Woolf in his artistic director position.
Ann Augustin, her late husband Donald and their daughter Margaret have supported The Rep and Woolf for decades. Mother and daughter attend dress rehearsals and offer commentary on the shows. Margaret Augustin is currently on the board of directors.
Board president Michael Oberlander said this kind of bond is nurtured over time.
“A gift of this size comes after developing some really strong relationships,” Oberlander said.
The donation will ensure that Woolf continues as the driving force behind the Webster Groves theater company.
“He is a true gem of the St. Louis artistic community,” Oberlander said. “Steve Woolf’s touch is on everything that we do.” “
The gift puts The Rep in the big leagues, according to Woolf, who’s been The Rep’s artistic director for 30 years. Different donors already endow the heads of the St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum.
“Institutionally, it makes us a little ‘adult,’” Woolf said.
The donation is the largest single contribution The Rep has received since it opened in 1966.
The Rep launches its new season Sept. 9 with the Stephen Sondheim musical, “Follies.”
Follow Nancy Fowler on Twitter: @NancyFowlerSTL
