For the First Time in The National Theatre’s 190-Year History the Legendary Venue is now Owned by a Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to The Theatre’s Preservation and Care
The National Theatre Foundation www.nationaltheatre.org today acquired the legendary National Theatre, located on Pennsylvania Avenue just steps from the White House. The acquisition was made possible through a lead $4 million grant from the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities and additional fundraising led by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. For the first time in The National Theatre’s 190-year history, the theatre is under the direct control of a non-profit organization dedicated to its perpetual preservation and care.
Beryl Jolly, chief executive officer, said: “This is more than just a historic moment for The National Theatre Foundation.”
“This enables our organization to control our own destiny and secure the future of The National Theatre for generations to come. Ownership of the theatre property ensures autonomy over our programming and the ability to make capital investments in an asset owned by our non-profit,” Jolly said.
Sandy Wilkes, chair of The National Theatre Foundation Board of Directors, said: “The Board of Directors is deeply thankful to Quadrangle for its caring ownership of the theatre over the last 40 years.”
“We also appreciate the District of Columbia’s vision and support, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chair Phil Mendelson, in helping preserve this beautiful venue for our city. We will continue to honor that support by serving as a dynamic cultural anchor on Pennsylvania Avenue,” Wilkes said.
The purchase includes the legendary theatre; associated back and front of house spaces as well as three floors of office space above the auditorium. The Nederlander Organization, based in New York City, programs the theatre, including the popular “Broadway at The National” series.
“Nederlander” has been synonymous with great entertainment on Broadway and throughout the country since 1912. Led by James L. Nederlander, president, The Nederlander Organization continues its tradition of operating historic theatres, as well as producing and presenting the best theatrical entertainment and concert events.
The National Theatre’s survival was seriously threatened in the 1970s when the downtown DC area was undergoing massive redevelopment and urban renewal. Officials considered razing the building until the Foundation’s Board of Directors and performers rallied public support to save The National.
Carol Channing implored audiences to save The National each night after her starring role in Hello, Dolly!. Channing’s efforts were successful, and The National Theatre was part of the city block awarded to Quadrangle Development Corporation as part of the revitalization of Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol.
The National Theatre Foundation will continue fundraising through its Securing the Future campaign in order to undertake critical capital improvements to the venue. The theatre was last renovated more than 40 years ago. Immediate projects include HVAC upgrades, integration of building automation systems, electrical modernization, plumbing updates, and new seating, carpeting and auditorium upgrades.
About The National Theatre
Founded in 1835 and around the corner from the White House, The National Theatre is the second oldest theatre in the country and the oldest continuously operating business on Pennsylvania Avenue. Since its founding, The National Theatre has presented over 6,000 performances from across every performing arts discipline and has welcomed millions of audience members across parts of three centuries.
Original productions of West Side Story, If/Then, Beetlejuice and Mean Girls had their world premieres at The National. The theatre has presented pre-Broadway tours of such notable hits as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Odd Couple, Fiddler on the Roof, 1776, Hello Dolly!, M. Butterfly and Crazy for You.
The National hosted the first presentations of the coveted Helen Hayes Awards, named for the “First Lady of the American Theatre.” Inspired to become an actress after seeing shows from the balcony of The National as a child, Hayes performed in over 20 productions at the theatre.
The National hosted the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards earlier this year, honoring the city’s vibrant creative community and patrons of the arts and humanities.
About The National Theatre Foundation
The National Theatre Foundation oversees and preserves the theatre, one of America’s most iconic. While serving as the primary home for Broadway in our nation’s capital, the Foundation also presents compelling educational and community programs, maintains and preserves the Theatre’s historic archive, and is responsible for facility improvements.
The National Theatre Foundation believes that everyone deserves access to the transformational power of the performing arts. The Foundation engages leading artists, educators, and community organizations in developing free programs that reach diverse audiences, many of which face barriers to quality arts experiences. These initiatives bring future theatre-lovers and creators to our historic venue on Pennsylvania Avenue and reach outward into D.C. public libraries, medical facilities, and elder care centers in the greater Washington area. The National Theatre is at the center of an active arts network where everyone has a place.
We act on this belief through our education and community outreach programs highlighted by: Saturday Morning Live! which engages children ages 3-6 and their families both at The National Theatre and in D.C. public libraries; Community Stage Connections, which creates deeply personal performing arts experiences for audiences at Children’s National Hospital as well as adult day healthcare centers and assisted living facilities in the greater Washington area; and Teens Behind the Scenes, which provides free access to Broadway touring productions for hundreds of teens each year.