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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 members that holds annual meeting and investiture of new members each April. 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.
The College of Fellows of the
American Theatre
About the College
Who We Are!
The College of Fellows of the American Theatre, which originated in 1964 within the American Educational Theatre Association, is a community of distinguished artists, scholars, educators, and leaders dedicated to advancing the vitality and integrity of the American theatre. We honor the legacies of those who have shaped our field while championing the innovators who continue to expand its possibilities. Rooted in a shared belief that theatre holds the power to illuminate the human experience and transform society for the better, we are committed to fostering a national culture that values imagination, empathy, and courageous expression.
What We Believe!
As Fellows, we embrace our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of artistry, scholarship, and
service. We stand united in our conviction that theatre can challenge assumptions, inspire change, and help
build a more just, compassionate, and vibrant society.
What We Do!
We advocate for a theatre ecosystem that is accessible to all—one that removes barriers, amplifies underrepresented voices, and nurtures equitable participation across communities. Inclusion, diversity, and social justice are not aspirations but essential principles that inform our work, guide our collaborations, and strengthen our collective impact. Through mentorship, dialogue, advocacy, recognition of excellence, and the publication of the Fellows Gazette, we support the next generation of theatre-makers and educators, ensuring that the art form continues to evolve with integrity and purpose. Each year the College of Fellows invests a new Class of theatre artists, educators, and practitioners to honor and celebrate their distinguished
contributions to the American Theatre.
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.
The Roger L.
Stevens
Addresses
Roger Lacey Stevens (March 12, 1910 – February 2, 1998) was an American theatrical producer, arts administrator, and real estate executive. He was the founding Chairman of both the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (1961) and the National Endowment for the Arts (1965).
Roger L. Stevens
AWARDS
The College of Fellows Jane Alexander Emerging Artist Award is given annually to one actor or actress chosen from the Irene Ryan finalists at the KCACTF national festival.
The John Cauble Emerging Producer/Leader Award is given annually in memory of Fellow John Cauble. As Dean, Karen Berman assisted in developing and establishing this award.
The recipient of this annual award is selected from the ASPIRE Arts Leadership program with the sponsorship of the Kennedy Center ‘s American College Theatre Festival National Committee and the College of Fellows of the American Theatre.
The Uta Hagen Award is given by the Fellows in honor of the iconic theatre teacher. Bonnie Nelson Schwartz was instrumental in developing the award in collaboration with HB Studios in New York City and the KCACTF.
The College of Fellows of the American Theatre, in partnership with the American College Theater Festival (ACTF), the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE), and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, have created the August Wilson Fellowship for Students of Color in Technical Theatre, Production, and Design.
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Our
Board of Directors
David Grapes, II
Dean
Mark Charney,
Board Secretary
David Crespy,
Archivist
Dan Carter,
Strategic Alliance
Michael Hood,
Strategic Alliance
Robert Hupp,
Board Member
Baron Kelly,
Board Member
Heather Nathans,
Dean Elect/Editor, The Gazette
Kathryn Ervin,
Corporate Secretary
Sandra Richards,
Board Member
Ed Simpson,
Board Member