History

The American National Theatre, Inc. was incorporated in New York State in June 2003, and received its official tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status in September of that year. That same month, The American National Theatre answered an invitation by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation with a proposal for a three-theatre facility at the site of the World Trade Center.

On September 9, 2003, The American National Theatre made news around the world when The New York Times printed on page one of its Arts section a story with the headline, “Proposing a National Theater Downtown.” Articles followed in publications across the nation, including The Los Angeles Times, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and Daily Variety. On September 11th, The New York Times’ editorial page declared The American National Theatre “another exciting idea” for the World Trade Center site. What followed was a massive outpouring of support from theatre professionals, the public and—in one instance—a survivor of the September 11th tragedy.

On January 26, 2004, The American National Theatre made headlines again with coverage from WCBS-TV, NY1, CNN, and AP as it unveiled Polshek Partnership’s Richard Olcott’s design and scale-model of The American National Theatre building.

While ultimately not selected for a home at the World Trade Center site, there remains overwhelming support from the best minds and talents in the American theatre for The American National Theatre, and a belief in the need for its core mission.

That support was manifested on May 9, 2005 at The American National Theatre Founders’ Celebration, co-chaired by Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. At that event, more than 400 guests witnessed August Wilson’s moving acceptance of the Arthur Miller Founders’ Award, and the Voices of America program, the stirring centerpiece of the evening, which featured some of New York’s best-known actors performing a series of outstanding monologues and songs, selected from among 40 theatres and authors from across the United States. James Naughton was the evening’s host, Phylicia Rashad made the presentation to Mr. Wilson, and Tovah Feldshuh acted as the narrator of the Voices of America program, which made perhaps the greatest case to-date for the viability and need for The American National Theatre.

In March 2006, The American National Theatre Steering Committee (composed of twenty-five business, civic and theatre leaders, including the actress and former National Endowment for the Arts Chairman, Jane Alexander) set in motion the organization’s plans to present its first full productions beginning in November 2006.

The ANT Administrative and Artistic Advisory Panels—including theatre leaders from Sarasota to San Francisco—are deeply committed to the realization of our mission. The Board of Directors strives to make good on New York State Senator David A. Paterson’s statement that The American National Theatre “has the opportunity to become a national treasure.” (Please see the enclosed lists of Board and Advisory Panel members, and the enclosed statements in support of The ANT from key members of the American theatre community and public.)