Photo Coverage: American Theatre Wing Grants Luncheon

The American Theatre Wing's Grants Program honored its 2006 grant recipients, 53 New York City not-for-profit theatres that reflect the range of diversity of New York's theatres, at a luncheon at Sardi's on Thursday, December 7 at noon.�

As part of its longstanding mission of celebrating and supporting the very best in theatre, not just on Broadway, but in smaller, non-commercial venues, the American Theatre Wing provides funding to New York City not-for-profit theatre organizations to both honor and sustain their work. This year, the Wing provided $132,500 in support to the 53 not-for-profit theatres. Throughout the 50 years of the program, the Wing has donated close to $3 million .

Kirsten Childs, Michael Cumpsty, Eve Ensler, Johnny Galecki, Dana Ivey, Byron Jennings, Laurence Luckinbill, and Barbara Walsh�were among the luncheon presenters, while Olympia Dukakis, Michael Greif, Bob Martin, Cynthia Nixon, and more attended as guests of theatre companies being honored.

The American Theatre Wing is best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards, which it presents annually with the League of American Theatres and Producers.� The Wing's other activities, dedicated to recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre, include "Working in the Theater", now in its 27th year of telecasts on CUNY TV in New York and on other national cable outlets; "Downstage Center," a weekly theatrical interview show on XM Satellite Radio;� "Guides to Careers in the Theatre," a video series developed for schools and libraries; the Theatre Intern Group, a career development program for young professionals; and SpringboardNYC, a two-week college-to-career boot camp for young performers moving to NYC.� Visitors to www.americantheatrewing.org can view an archive of the seminars; the career guides and listen to "Downstage Center", all as free, on-demand streaming audio. Sondra Gilman is Chairman of the Board of the American Theatre Wing; Doug Leeds is President of the Board and Howard Sherman is Executive Director.

Bob Martin and Lucie Arnaz