A Unique and Important Mission
The American Century Theaters mission is to promote 20th
century theater as a vital part of our cultural dialogue.
Our mission is based on the firm conviction that this
theatrical repertoire -- influential and critically
acclaimed dramas, comedies, and teleplays first produced
during what Henry Luce called the American Century --
portrays a uniquely American vision that is vital to our
shared cultural heritage. In today's increasingly
Balkanized society, finding this common ground has become
essential.
Our mission is also driven by the belief that theater
should be accessible to all citizens. For the mainstream
audience today, the combination of prohibitive cost and
adult-only themes makes it increasingly difficult to find
appropriate theater-going experiences for the entire
family. We know this need not be the case, and that
America's finest theatrical works -- written for a broad
audience -- contain significant themes and ideas that
should be part of our collective wisdom as a nation.
Mission Statement
The American Century Theater's mission is to promote 20th
century theater as a vital part of our cultural dialog.
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To revive worthy plays and musicals at risk of being
forgotten.
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To restore, repair and reconstruct works, when missing or
incomplete.
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To translate important American works from other media to
the stage.
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To commission new works that spotlight the intellectual,
historical, political and cultural diversity of 20th
century America.
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To share our efforts with interested scholars, teachers,
and performers worldwide.
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To inspire other companies to produce these works by
proving they can garner critical praise and engage
audiences.
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To practice the art and business of theater in a
courageous, ethical and humane fashion.
Artistic and Administrative Principles
The American Century Theater hereby pledges that these
principles will govern its activities and operations:
In our productions
... we will preserve the dignity, integrity, spirit and
content of classic American plays, amplifying without
distortion the voices, vision and viewpoints of their
authors for audience members, whether they are
experiencing these plays for the first time or the last.
For theater audiences
... we will make the affordability and general enjoyment
of great theater our highest priorities.
To the artistic community
... we pledge truthfulness, openness in communications,
fairness in contractual relations, and to honor all
commitments, oral or written, expressed or implied, long
or short term.
Toward other theaters and dramatic organizations
... professional or volunteer, we will offer continuing
support, cooperation, respect and assistance; and to that
end, we will never induce any individual to break an
existing commitment to another theater's production.
In advertising and other communications with the public
... we will not intentionally misrepresent the content of
a play or the critical reaction to its production.
To all who support, us work with us, and watch us
... we guarantee vigilant enforcement of these principles,
and ask that audiences, artists, colleagues, critics and
the general public hold The American Century Theater to
the highest standards in all aspects of its work.
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