The College of Fellows of the American Theatre originated in 1965 within the American Educational Theatre Association. From its beginnings, investiture in the College was one of the highest honors bestowed on educators and professionals of America’s educational and theatre community. Today, the College is an autonomous, nonprofit organization of 132 members that holds its annual meeting and investiture of new members each April under the auspices of the Education Department of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D. C. Among the events of the yearly meeting is the Roger L. Stevens Annual Lecture, named for the visionary producer who served as founding chairman of the Kennedy Center and the National Endowment for the Arts.