The Annie Oakley Fund

Established in 1984, the Annie Oakley Fund enables the National to invite groups of disadvantaged children and adults to see our major attractions as guests of the Theatre. In the old days, complimentary tickets were "punched" with a hole like those which Phoebe Annie Oakley, the famed sharp-shooter, could shoot in a card tossed into the air. Thus the Fund's name.

However, Annie, born Phoebe Moses, was also known for buying blocks of tickets which were then distributed so that orphans could have free admission to the shows she was in. Miss Oakley had a long career appearing with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and in circuses. Subsequently she had her own touring stage show which she brought to the National Theatre stage in the 1800's.

The American Medical Association, Marriott International, The Shubert Organization, the Trustees of The National Theatre, TourMobile and The Washington Post and others have made substantial contributions to this Endowment. The Fund was established with proceeds from a gala benefit held to celebrate a major renovation of the National Theatre Building which was completed at the end of 1983. Annie Oakley tickets are distributed through 501.c.3 not-for-profit charitable organizations.