(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center is grateful to receive a $25,000 emergency support Grant from The Laurents/Hatcher Foundation. This one-time, unrestricted grant is being provided to assist McCarter in meeting its financial obligations and better address additional unforeseen circumstances of the continuously evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation.
“This is an unprecedented, devastating time for all of us,” said Laurents/Hatcher Foundation President David Saint. “In times like these, it is important to unite and exhibit as much compassion and generosity as possible…(this) gesture itself I hope will encourage your spirits to prevail. I believe in the power of compassion, the very reason we all do what we do: enriching peoples’ lives through the art of theater.”
“I cannot overstate how important this generous grant is to the McCarter family,” added McCarter Managing Director Michael S. Rosenberg. “As is the case with arts institutions across the country, McCarter is dealing with the continuing financial fallout from the current health crisis. Critical support from our community will help McCarter weather this storm. We thank the Board of the Laurents/Hatcher Foundation, as well as all who support McCarter, for their generosity. This is a wonderful act of kindness that will ensure McCarter is ready and able to re-open the doors and embrace our communities when the time comes.”
Established in 2010 by playwright, director and screenwriter Arthur Laurents (1917-2011) and his long-term partner Tom Hatcher, the foundation’s Theatre Development Grant program supports the development or production of new plays or musicals, with more than $1 million dollars awarded annually. In addition to annual awards, the Laurents/Hatcher Foundation presents a major annual award "for an un-produced, full-length play of social relevance by an emerging American playwright."
Under the leadership of award-winning playwright and Artistic Director Emily Mann, Managing Director Michael S. Rosenberg, and Special Programming Director William W. Lockwood, McCarter’s mission is to create world-class theater and present the finest artists for the community’s engagement, education, and entertainment. Winner of the 1994 Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theatre, world premieres include Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (2013 Tony® – Best Play); Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brother/Sister Plays; Emily Mann’s Having Our Say; and Danai Gurira’s The Convert. Education and outreach efforts serve tens of thousands through student matinees, in-school residencies, and adult classes. McCarter is supported by contributions from Princeton University, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, corporations, foundations, and from over 2,000 individuals.
