A summer stock theatre is a theatre that generally prouces plays only in the summertime in the United States. The name combines the seasonal aspect with a tradition of putting on the same shows each year and reusing stock scenery and costumes. Some smaller theaters still continue this tradition, and a few summer stock theaters have become highly regarded theatre festivals. Equity status and pay for actors in these theaters varies greatly, sometimes resulting in sub-minimum wage pay for acting "interns." Often viewed as a starting point for professional actors, stock casts are typically young, just out of high school or still in college.