Founding Vision

The concept for The American National Theatre was developed in 1999 by founder Sean Cullen in part as a response to a growing trend of importing European works to American stages, a practice due to the perception that—as one Broadway producer put it—there is not enough quality American product. Also, because of the decline in the number of new American plays and musicals appearing in commercial theatres, too often worthy new works do not receive the attention they deserve. Thus, a rich pool of American talent remains untapped, diminishing opportunities for growth and enrichment for American audiences, artists, and theatres. The American National Theatre will offer a well-financed and reliable mechanism for bringing these new works and their creative teams to New York.

As it showcases a continent-wide company of collaborators, the focus of The American National Theatre is set on that most essential theatre artist—the writer—and on the advancement of the writing of new plays and musicals. With its clearly defined and responsible mission, The American National Theatre will be an active partner in the creative life of New York and the nation. Its plan speaks to the cultural, educational, economic, and social needs of both, while creating for Manhattan an institution of international significance. A cultural flagship of the city, The American National Theatre will offer audiences and producers one central location for the best theatre in the United States. The American National Theatre Media Outreach Initiative and www.AmericanNationalTheatre.org will continue to bring global attention to American theatre, attracting audiences from all over the world.

The American National Theatre will encompass the breadth and diversity of the United States as it celebrates the dramatic arts in America. Unique in its artistic vision and ambitious in its scope, the American National Theatre is an arts organization for the 21st century. For the first time, our country will celebrate its long and vibrant performing arts tradition with a truly national theatre.