The Pearl Theatre Company was founded in 1984 by Shepard Sobel. Performing a classical repertory with a resident acting company, the troupe of actors trained together and performed show after show together, forming a common theatrical aesthetic and artistic bond in order to deepen and enrich the work of these great plays. From its beginnings in a storefront in Chelsea, to Theatre 80 on St. Marks Place, to City Center and finally 42^nd St., the Pearl grew into a respected and beloved Off-Broadway theatre, earning Drama League awards, a Drama Desk for “nurturing a stalwart company of actors… “, and several Obies along the way for Artistic Excellence. In 2009 J.R. Sullivan took over as Artistic Director and starting in 2014 Hal Brooks helmed the company. When, after 33 seasons the Pearl closed its doors in June of 2017, members of the acting company banded together to form The Resident Acting Company to both re-examine, and carry on the legacy of this rich tradition.