Kristin Chenoweth and Edgerton Foundation to Be Honored at NCTF 2014 Chairman's Awards Gala, 3/31

On March 31st at New York City's Pierre Hotel, the National Corporate Theatre Fund (NCTF) will honor Tony and Emmy Award Winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth, and the Edgerton Foundation for their leadership in the arts at the NCTF 2014 Chairman's Awards Gala. The evening will be chaired by Chairman James S. Turley, Cisco Systems, Inc, Wells Fargo/Joseph F. Kirk and world-renowned playwright David Henry Hwang.

More than 300 theatre patrons, Broadway leaders and industry professionals from across the country will gather for an evening honoring individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the national theatre community. The Gala will raise funds for NCTF's ten nonprofit member theatres in the U.S. and will include a generous matching grant of up to $250,000 from the Edgerton Foundation. Proceeds from the matching grant will benefit new theatrical works at NCTF's member theatres, ensuring the creation of another year of innovative and thought-provoking productions nationwide.

"Today's regional theatres share a common thread with the corporate world: a focus on innovation, creativity and strong community leadership. I am proud to support outstanding theatre programming and education initiatives at NCTF theatres across the U.S.," said James S. Turley, Chairman of NCTF.

Known to most as Glinda from Wicked, Broadway legend and Tony and Emmy Award Winner Kristin Chenoweth will receive the "Theatre Artist Award" at the Gala. Writer and Producer Robert Harling will present. Chenoweth's stunning talent with singing, dancing and acting has garnered her critical acclaim in Broadway hits You're a Good Man Charlie Brown; Steel Pier; The Apple Tree; and Promises, Promises; as well as on acclaimed television shows The West Wing and Pushing Daisies. She has also guest starred on numerous shows, including Sesame Street and Glee. Her big screen credits include The Pink Panther, Bewitched and more.

Chenoweth is currently in production on several film projects, including Universal's The Boy Next Door, alongside Jennifer Lopez, A Bet's A Bet with Mena Suvari and Eric Roberts and an indie teen drama entitled Hard Sell. In spring of 2014, she will be seen in Rio 2, voicing the character of Gaby, a hilarious poisonous frog. Additionally, she will be featured in a guest arc on the TV Land series, "Kirstie" and will return for the 100th episode of "Glee," set to air in March.

"It is an honor to be recognized as NCTF's Theatre Artist Award this year", said Ms. Chenoweth. "It is through partnerships like those facilitated by NCTF, and the great theatres they support, that our visions as artists can be explored and developed for the public. This is truly inspiring."

The "Leadership in Theatre Award" will be going to the Edgerton Foundation for their substantial contribution to the creation of significant new work in the American Theatre. Most recently, the Foundation offered a matching grant of up to 250,000 dollars for all new or increased contributions to the NCTF Gala, providing nonprofit theatres such as Los Angeles Center Theatre Group; San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater; Cleveland Play House; and the Seattle Repertory Theatre, among others, with significant investments for new productions. Productions supported in the past by the Edgerton Foundation include 13, All the Way, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Pulitzer Nominee), Good People (Tony Nominee), In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play (Pulitzer and Tony Nominee), Next to Normal (Pulitzer Prize Winner, Tony Nominee), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Tony Winner), and Witness Uganda (2014 Richard Rodgers Award Winner).

"The connections NCTF makes between theatre, philanthropic and arts communities reflect a recognition of the immeasurable impact of the arts on the vitality of the communities in which they are based," said Bruce Whitacre, Executive Director of NCTF. "It is a privilege to celebrate the incredible work and influence of regional theatre with the many artists, supporters and organizations that have made these programs a reality. It is truly a pleasure to honor Ms. Chenoweth and the Edgerton Foundation today for their role in advancing theatre in America."

About National Corporate Theatre Fund: National Corporate Theatre Fun (NCTF) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to sustaining America's finest not-for-profit theatres, on the stage and in the community, through innovative partnerships with companies, individuals and artists. From its base in New York, NCTF provides a national vehicle for the flow of theatre, collaboration and ideas to and from key markets.

Since 1978, NCTF has raised millions of dollars for its member theatres. NCTF theatres contribute to our creative and cultural life - benefiting local communities, children, employees and the economy. Launched in 2012, its Impact Creativity campaign (impactcreativity.org) is one of the largest efforts to sustain and grow arts education programs across the country. Productions originating at NCTF theatres have transferred to New York and other theatres, and have won dozens of Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prizes. They enrich lives of the local residents, provide creative opportunities for distinguished and emerging performers, serve as incubators for new works, and engage over 500,000 children most from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods through their theatre education programs.

NCTF member theatres include the Actors Theatre of Louisville, American Conservatory Theater, American Repertory Theater, Center Theatre Group, Cleveland Play House, Guthrie Theater, Long Warf Theatre, The Old Globe, Seattle Repertory Theatre and Trinity Repertory Company. Their Affiliate Network includes the Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Arena Stage, Arizona Theatre Company, Dallas Theatre Center, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Goodman Theater, Hartford Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Walnut Street Theatre.

The following artists serve on NCTF's Artistic Advisory Council: Edward Asner, Brent Barrett, Annette Bening, Robert Brustein, Kathleen Chalfant, Glenn Close, Billy Crudup, Gordon Davidson, David Henry Hwang, Cherry Jones, Swoosie Kurtz, John Lithgow, Jerry Mitchell, Kate Mulgrew, Laura Pels, David Hyde Pierce, Daryl Roth, Marian Seldes, Patrick Stewart, and Paula Vogel.