# repertory

/ˈɹɛpɝˌtɔɹi/ (US) · /ɹˈɛpətəɹˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/repertory
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. theatre system

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a type of theatre where a permanent group of actors performs several different plays in the same season.

For teachers: a system of play production in which a resident acting company performs a series of plays in rotation or at short intervals.

- She spent her first year as an actress working in a small repertory theatre in the countryside.
- The company operates on a repertory basis, allowing the ensemble to maintain several distinct productions simultaneously throughout the winter season.

Usage: Often shortened to 'rep' in informal theatrical contexts.

### 2. a collection of works

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the complete list of plays, songs, or pieces that a person or group is prepared to perform.

For teachers: the entire body of works that a company or individual performer is prepared to present.

- The pianist has a vast repertory of classical and modern pieces.
- The orchestra expanded its repertory to include contemporary avant-garde compositions alongside the standard Romantic symphonies.

Teaching tip: While 'repertory' is correct, 'repertoire' is much more common in modern English when referring to a musician's list of songs.

### 3. classic cinema

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a cinema that shows older, classic, or artistic films rather than new releases.

For teachers: a cinema house that specialises in the screening of classic, independent, or historically significant films.

- The local repertory cinema is showing a marathon of old black-and-white movies this weekend.
- The city's last remaining repertory cinema faces closure as streaming services reduce the demand for theatrical screenings of cult classics.

## Examples

- The theater has a large repertory of classic plays.
- The orchestra's repertory includes both traditional symphonies and modern experimental pieces.
- A versatile actor must maintain a broad repertory to secure roles in both Shakespearean tragedies and contemporary dramas, demonstrating their ability to adapt to diverse styles and periods.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.