Since its inception, The American National Theatre has garnered almost a million dollars in in-kind donations of goods and services, raised more than $300,000 in grants and individual giving, and generated broad support for a great cultural idea for New York City and the United States, building the institution
from the grassroots up.

Conducted a nationwide search for outstanding new American theatrical work throughout 2006, and announced The American National Theatre Inaugural Season, to commence in January 2006

Received a $5,000 grant from the prominent philanthropists Daniel Shapiro and Agnus Gund, President Emerita of MOMA, on April 17, 2006

Conducted the first two meetings of The American National Theatre Steering Committee at New World Stages, on March 14 and 21, 2006.  The Committee included business, civic and theatre leaders, including Jane Alexander, the actress and former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts; the director and retired Executive Producer of Law and Order, Ed Sherin; Robert Zukerman, Head of Theatre for the New York State Council on the Arts; and Hugh Hardy, the celebrated architect and civic leader

Held The American National Theatre Broadway Salon on March 6, 2006, at the New York home of Frank Skillern, retired CEO of American Express Centurion Bank, and his wife, Mary.  The intimate event featured some of Broadway’s best talent including Tony winner and 2006 nominee Michael Cerveris (Sweeney Todd) and Jefferson Award Winner and 2006 Tony nominee Felicia P. Fields (The Color Purple) and netted The ANT more than $11,000

Received a second gift of $10,000 from the actor and philanthropist Paul Newman on January 1, 2006

Held The American National Theatre Founders’ Celebration, co-chaired by Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward on May 9, 2006. 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

“I think it’s a wonderful idea, and that it’s high time there was a formal program established that invited the best theaters we have in our country to its artistic capitol…I would imagine you’ll have a thrilled and positive reception.”                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Harold Prince, Director, Producer; New York, NY


“’Wow’ is about all anyone can say. Your plan is brave and responsible, and I praise you highly for your efforts and your clarion attack. I wish you well, and send all my support.”
                                                                                                                     Jack O'Brien, 2004 Tony Winner for Henry IV, Artistic Director, The Old Globe Theatre; San Diego, CA


“Who in the American theatre has not dreamt this dream?  In fact, I have always called the not-for-profit theatre movement in our country the national theatre movement. Bravo.”
                                                                                                                                                                                            Emily Mann, Artistic Director, McCarter Theatre; Princeton, NJ


“Fascinating! You know that I am a passionate proponent of the fact that REAL American theater consists of fantastic American actors in vigorous productions at major theaters around the country…I'll help in any way I can! Go for it.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Carey Perloff, Artistic Director, ACT; San Francisco, CA


"How can we not have a national theatre...the timing, the people… the void...our souls are crying out for the connectedness of our stories.”
                                                                                                                                                                                      Kenny Leon, Artistic Director, True Colors Theatre Co.; Atlanta, GA