Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Theater (LCT) is a prominent American theater organization located in New York City, known for producing a wide range of plays and musicals. Celebrating its 35th year, LCT has a rich history that reflects its commitment to making the arts accessible to a broad audience, in line with the vision of Lincoln Center founder John D. Rockefeller 3rd, who believed that the arts should be available to all, not just the privileged few. Established in 1985 under the leadership of Chairman John V. Lindsay, Director Gregory Mosher, and Executive Producer Bernard Gersten, Lincoln Center Theater was revitalized with the mission to present "Good Plays, Popular Prices." It was recognized as the pre-eminent theater in the country by The New York Times. Currently, under the guidance of Chairman Eric M. Mindich and Producing Artistic Director André Bishop, LCT continues to thrive, presenting dozens of productions that reach millions of audience members. The organization operates out of several venues, including the Vivian Beaumont Theater, the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, and the Claire Tow Theater. Additionally, LCT extends its reach through tours, telecasts, films, publications, recordings, and an online presence, making its works accessible to national and international audiences. LCT is also dedicated to fostering new talent and engaging with the community. In June 2012, LCT expanded with a 2-story addition atop the Vivian Beaumont Theater, which includes the Claire Tow Theater, rehearsal rooms, office space, and a roof terrace. This space serves as the permanent home for LCT3, an initiative focused on producing the work of new playwrights, directors, and designers, and offering affordable ticket prices to attract a new generation of artists and audiences. The organization's commitment to education and outreach is evident through its various programs, such as the Directors Lab, Open Stages, and the Lincoln Center Theater Review. These initiatives aim to support emerging artists, collaborate with New York City public schools, and provide resources to the wider community. LCT also distributes thousands of free tickets annually to culturally underserved populations and offers special performances for the hearing impaired. Throughout its history, LCT has maintained a robust membership program, allowing participants to access productions at affordable prices, thereby upholding its motto and ensuring that its doors remain open to a diverse audience. The theater's production history boasts over 160 New York, U.S., and world premieres, as well as noteworthy revivals, all of which are documented in the LCT Review and celebrated through special anniversary events and interviews with key figures like André Bishop, Bernard Gersten, and resident director Bartlett Sher. Lincoln Center Theater's artistic and community-focused endeavors continue to enrich the cultural landscape of New York City and beyond, honoring its foundational belief in the universal importance of the arts.