Founded in 1987 by Michael Hamilton and Jack Lane, STAGES ST. LOUIS is a professional, 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to producing the indigenous American art form of musical theatre. STAGES is also firmly committed to the employment and development of St. Louis artists and, through numerous education and outreach programs, enriching the cultural milieu of our community. STAGES ST. LOUIS operates year round with a staff of twenty. A full-time seasonal company operates from May to October and presents 124 performances in the 380-seat Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Civic Center. Performers are cast from auditions in both St. Louis and New York. STAGES is the top employer of local union actors and provides more annual workweeks than any other St. Louis theatre company. The STAGES Performing Arts Academy opened in March, 2004 and offers a year-round comprehensive musical theatre curriculum of dance, voice, drama and theory for students of all ages and skill levels. Classes are taught by a team of professional artists and educators. STAGES ST. LOUIS is committed to preserving and advancing the American art form of musical theatre through excellence in performance and education.