 He was instrumental in the establishment of the League of Resident Theatres and played a vital role in the development of regional theater.A graduate of Syracuse University, Partington's initial focus was acting, appearing in leading roles throughout college and then in regional theater.Several seasons of leading roles at the Memphis Arena Theater and the Barter Theatre as well as regional tours followed and on December 15, 1954 he made his Broadway debut opposite the great actor/singer Dennis King in "Lunatics and Lovers".