Board of Governors 2019–2020 Table Of
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Ford’s Theatre Society Board of Governors 2019–2020 Table of Welcome to the 2019–2020 season. Contents In a landscape rich with history, education and the arts, I am proud to say that Ford’s Theatre is unique. Whether encouraging reflection and conversation through world-class museum galleries, cultivating the next generation of leaders through renowned educational programs or celebrating President Abraham Lincoln’s love of theatre through critically History, Mission, Vision and Values acclaimed theatrical productions, Ford’s Theatre is distinguished by its History ...............................................................3 ability to bring Lincoln’s ideals to life. Programming Vision.................................5 Did You Know? ............................................7 At the heart of President Lincoln’s efforts was a desire to bring people together and unite the nation. For more than 50 years, Ford’s Theatre Society has had the privilege of advancing this “unfinished work.” Unparalleled Access Exclusive Opportunities ......................11 The Board of Governors has played a critical role in this success. Each year, Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala..................13 this incredible group of corporations and associations provides crucial Benefits Chart ........................................... 15 support for our artistic and educational programming. I could not be more humbled by the commitment, leadership and advocacy that characterizes Educational Opportunities our members. Local Programs .........................................19 In Washington, D.C., we can come together at Ford’s Theatre. From our Local Schools Served ............................21 storied history to exclusive opportunities like the Annual Gala to educational National Programs ..................................23 programming for students and teachers from around the country, Ford’s National Schools Served .....................27 Theatre truly has something for everyone. Whether you are a new member, considering membership or have been a loyal supporter for decades, I hope this booklet will help you get to know us even better and I look forward to welcoming you to Ford’s Theatre soon. With thanks, Paul R. Tetreault Director Ford’s Theatre Phebe N. Novakovic Chairman, Board of Trustees Maria Pica Karp Chairman, Board of Governors Paul R. Tetreault Director, Ford’s Theatre On Cover: Ford’s Theatre book tower. Background: Inside Ford’s Theatre. Photos © Maxwell MacKenzie. History, Mission, Vision and Values Ford’s Theatre celebrates the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and explores the American experience through theatre and education. Abraham Lincoln photo courtesy of Ford’s Theatre Historic Site. Ford’s Theatre History A NEW THEATRE On November 9, 1863, President Lincoln saw John REVIVAL OF FORD’S THEATRE Wilkes Booth in a performance of The Marble Heart, What became Ford’s where it was observed that Booth seemed to direct In 1964, Congress approved funds to create a historic site Theatre was originally several of his lines menacingly toward the president. by restoring Ford’s Theatre to its original 1865 appearance. the First Baptist Church Although the building’s facade remained more or less of Washington, which intact, the interior needed extensive reconstruction due to opened in 1834. THE FATEFUL NIGHT deterioration since the night of the assassination. The church site piqued Less than two years later, the Civil War was coming to an Upon hearing that the newly renovated theatre would not the interest of John T. end, and much of the country rejoiced. On April 14, 1865, host live productions, Frankie Hewitt (1931-2003) founded Ford, a successful theatre the Lincolns decided to join in the festivities by visiting the non-profit Ford’s Theatre Society in 1968, which owner with several the theatre to take in the popular comedy Our American reintroduced live performances to Ford’s Theatre for the venues in cities along Cousin, featuring famous actress Laura Keene in her one- Lincoln assassination rendering. Image courtesy of The Library of Congress. first time since the night of Lincoln’s assassination. the East Coast. Ford had thousandth performance. First Baptist Church of Washington. Image Today, Ford’s Theatre is operated through a public- previously failed at running He launched an aggressive plot to “decapitate” the federal courtesy of The Library of Congress. News of President Lincoln’s planned attendance quickly private partnership between Ford’s Theatre Society and a theatre in Washington, government by assassinating the president, Secretary spread throughout the city. By the time the performance the National Park Service and comprises four venues D.C., but as Washington’s population boomed during of State William H. Seward and Vice President Andrew began, nearly 2,000 patrons were across its campus—the Theatre, Museum, the Petersen the Civil War, he decided to try his luck again. Ford Johnson with the help of three co-conspirators. in attendance. House and the Aftermath Exhibits in the Center for rented the former church in 1861, renovated the Education and Leadership. space and presented it as Ford’s Athenaeum. Booth carefully arranged events for the evening, entered John Wilkes Booth also learned of the unguarded Presidential Box and shot Lincoln with the president’s plans. A member of In 1862, Ford purchased the building, but after a a single-shot deringer pistol around 10:15 p.m. He the famous Booth family of actors destructive fire, he rebuilt his new theatre on the same fled the crime scene, escaped through the backstage and a fiercely loyal Confederate site on an even grander scale, mimicking the design theatre door and hid out in Maryland and Virginia for sympathizer, Booth was at Ford’s of his Holliday Street Theatre in Baltimore. Ford’s 12 days before Union soldiers found and killed him. Theatre earlier in the day to New Theatre opened in 1863 and presented a mix of collect his mail—a common comedies, variety shows and Shakespearean plays After Booth fired his fatal shot, soldiers in the theatre practice of renowned actors with well-known actors—including members of the audience carried President Lincoln across the street to a at the time—when he heard famous Booth family—that attracted an elite clientele. boarding house owned by William A. Petersen, now known the news. Having intimate as the Petersen House. Lincoln died there at 7:22 a.m. the During the Civil War, Ford’s Theatre grew to become knowledge of the theatre, next morning surrounded by family, officials and friends. one of Washington’s top entertainment venues, Booth quickly pivoted on his giving residents a much-needed break from the previous plan of kidnapping Lincoln’s assassination shocked a nation already realities of war. President Abraham Lincoln—who President Lincoln. ravaged by the Civil War, and Ford’s New Theatre loved theatre, opera and Shakespeare—visited remained closed for more than 100 years. Ford’s Theatre on at least 10 formal occasions. Right: Our American Cousin playbill. Photo by Gary Erskine. Above: Ford’s Theatre circa 1865. Photo courtesy of The Library Aftermath Exhibits. Photo by Gary Erskine. of Congress. 3 Ford’s Theatre Society Board of Governors 2019-2020 4 Programming Vision Cast of the 2018 production of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Scott Suchman. The site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre lives at the heart of the Washington, D.C., experience—a vibrant stage for engaging and entertaining theatrical encounters and an immersive environment that celebrates the life and values of Abraham Lincoln and his evolving legacy. As both a National Historic Site and a producing theatre, Ford’s Theatre occupies a unique place among American cultural organizations. We draw upon Lincoln’s legacy and the transformative power of theatre to awaken visitors and audiences to the necessity for individual and societal empathy. Many consider Ford’s Theatre to be a sacred space, and by keeping the theatre alive, we assert that Ford’s is not just the site of Lincoln’s assassination but also a place where all audiences can experience the joy and inspiration that Lincoln himself found in the performing arts. Lincoln believed fervently in the United States, a country more united by its commonalities than divided by differences. We follow Lincoln’s example, moved by his capacity to see the humanity in all people during one of the most turbulent eras in American history. With Lincoln’s leadership as our inspiration, Ford’s Theatre endeavors to be a beacon of hope, advancing his “unfinished work.” We bring together people from across the globe, from different backgrounds and with varying viewpoints. We bridge divides, cultivate empathy, encourage dialogue and embrace shared ideals. We do these things to stir people to choose community over isolation and to find and celebrate our common humanity. Erika Rose and Craig Wallace for the upcoming Ford’s Theatre production of August Laura C. Harris for Silent Sky at Ford’s Theatre. Photo by Scott Suchman. Maria Egler, Joe Mallon, Karen Vicent and Bueka Uwemedimo for the upcoming Ford’s Wilson’s Fences. Photo by Scott Suchman. Theatre production of Guys and Dolls. Photo by Scott Suchman. 5 Ford’s Theatre Society Board of Governors 2019-2020 6 Did you know that each year Ford’s Theatre: Offers SENSORY-FRIENDLY Presents more than 200 MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCES, PERFORMANCES AND MUSEUM as well as 100 performances of One Destiny, the story of EXPERIENCES serving approximately Lincoln’s assassination. 400 people. Fosters a community of MORE THAN Brings more than 650,000 VISITORS from 100 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS and around the world to the historic site for tours Lincoln enthusiasts through its and performances. Generation Abe programming. Serves nearly 280,000 STUDENTS Promotes the local creative economy by engaging AND TEACHERS annually through its approximately 250 CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS, nearly education programs, including distance- all of whom hail from the Washington, D.C., area. learning initiatives. Header image by Nicole Glass. Inset photos T-B: Stephen F. Schmidt and Michael Bunce. Photo by Gary Erskine.; Guided tour.