The institute's inaugural productions began in September 1992 with two Euripides plays: Dionysus and Orestes. Funding initially came from the Japan-Unite States Friendship Commission, Arts International and All Nippon Airlines, according to then-executive producing director Stephen Nisbet.[1]
Originally envisioned as a summer institute in Saratoga Springs, New York, SITI has expanded to encompass a year-round program based in New York City, with a summer season in Saratoga.[2] The company believed that contemporary American theater must incorporate artists from around the world and learn from a cross-cultural exchange of dance, music, art, and performance experiences.
SITI is noted for combining the Viewpoints process of Anne Bogart with the Suzuki Method of Actor Training of Tadashi Suzuki. Both techniques are alternatives to the Stanislavski-based Method training which has dominated American stage and screen for generations.[citation needed] Over their history, the company produced more than forty shows.[3]
In October 2020, SITI announced they would stop producing shows in 2022, although classes would continue.[2] Its final performances were of A Christmas Carol at Bard College.[3]
References
^Rice, Bill (June 19, 1992). "Opening plays set for SITI". The Daily Gazette.
