850 Music & Entertainment

Exploring Entertainment in Florida's 850 & Beyond

The REP Theatre Announces Final Curtain Call

I will be sharing the impact the the The REP (previously known as Seaside Rep Theatre) had on me in those first few years of its founding. But for now, I’m saddened to be sharing their official press release on the end of this era.

SEASIDE, FL: With many fond memories and much sadness, The REP Theatre today announced that it will be ceasing operations following the completion of its final summer performances in mid-August, concluding a remarkable 25-year run as a cornerstone of the 30A arts community.

Founded a quarter-century ago, The REP has been dedicated to its mission of creating lasting memories for the local families and countless visitors who have graced its audiences. The Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to close the theatre after facing a convergence of significant challenges.

“This decision follows a period of strategic assessment prompted by the upcoming departure of our key artistic leadership and the challenge of navigating increasingly high operating expenses. The situation was further complicated by the non-renewal of the lease for our theatrical home of 25 years due to planned renovations by Seaside, prompting the unexpected challenge of securing a new, affordable venue while simultaneously recruiting new leadership. Facing this convergence of challenges, we have made the heartbreaking choice to close the theatre. We are immensely proud, however, that the spirit of The REP’s work will likely live on.” 

For 25 years, The REP has been more than just a stage; it has been a home for artists, a source of joy for audiences, and a vibrant part of the community’s cultural fabric. This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of so many.

We extend our deepest gratitude to every audience member who shared a laugh or a tear, every volunteer who gave their time, and every artist who poured their heart out on our stage. We are profoundly thankful to the generous donors, sponsors, and foundations who invested in our mission, and to the dedicated Board of Directors, past and present, who volunteered their time and wisdom to guide this organization. A special thank you goes to our founders, Craige Hoover and Jennifer Steele, whose vision sparked this 25-year journey. To every community member who believed in the power of theatre: you were the lifeblood of this organization.

We invite the entire community to join us for our final summer performances to celebrate the stories we’ve told and the memories we’ve created together. Let’s make this final run a testament to the spirit and artistry that has defined The REP for 25 wonderful years.

For information on the final performance schedule, please visit LoveTheREP.com.

About 850ME

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850ME stands for 850 Music & Entertainment. We are based in the panhandle of Florida, getting the 850 part of our name from the local area code pre-fix. The site aims to shine a light on local, regional, and even national artists. We started with a sole focus on the music community in 2011 and in 2013 we expanded to include other forms of entertainment. We feature a growing team of talented photographers and writers - and hope you will be a part of this wonderful journey with us.

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This entry was posted on August 7, 2025 by in Posts.
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