ALBANY, N.Y. — The state inspector general says the longtime producing director of the New York State Theatre Institute violated state laws against nepotism by repeatedly hiring family at a cost of nearly $700,000.

Inspector General Joseph Fisch says that with her full control over hiring and little board oversight, 69-year-old Patricia Snyder selected herself and close relatives for more than 300 jobs with more than 90 percent of NYSTI productions. Fish says she also oversaw another $475,000 in questionable expenses.

Attorney E. Stewart Jones says the Snyders were hired for their talents.

The institute was established in 1974 to provide theater and education to New York youth. It puts on several productions annually and had a $3.6 million budget last year.