American Musical Theatre of San Jose (CA) has entered into a partnership with the Nederlander Organization in New York to bring national touring companies to the area for its 2002-2003 season which starts in August. For the past 66 years, AMT has primarily staged its own productions with local actors and other local theater professionals.
AMT's new season will include stops by five national touring companies and one co-production with a troupe from New Jersey.
According to AMT company president and executive producer Stewart Slater, the partnership with Nederlander is necessary because of the increasingly competitive arts and entertainment market.
Responding to criticism by local theater professionals concerned with lost jobs, Slater said the 2003-2004 season will have a "more balanced mix'' of touring and local productions than this coming season.
"We all are passionate in wanting to make the company grow,'' Slater told the Mercury News, "and we all
have a real commitment for this community to continue enjoying a musical theater
company years from now."
