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THE COLLEGE OF FELLOWS OF THE AMERICAN
THEATRE
The College of Fellows of the American Theatre originated
in 1965 within the American Theatre Association. From its
beginning investiture in the College was one of the highest
honors bestowed on educators and professionals of America's
educational and stage community. Today it is an autonomous,
non-profit organization which holds its annual meeting and
investiture of new members at the John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Its meeting is
held in conjunction with the Kennedy Center/American
College Theatre Festival which recognizes outstanding
educational theatre productions, designs, acting and new
works from across the nation. The Roger L. Stevens Annual
Fellows Lecture is presented for the Fellows and KC/ACTF
participants.
The primary purpose of the College of Fellows of the
American Theatre is to promote and encourage the highest
standards of research and creativity in educational and
professional theatre through the recognition and honoring
of distinguished service and accomplishment in the field of
theatre by individuals of acknowledged national stature.
Since its founding there have been 182 persons inducted
into the College (113 are still living). Its membership
includes actors, critics, costumers, designers, directors,
playwrights, producers, program administrators, research
scholars, and teachers associated with the commercial as
well as the educational theatre of America. Members are
authorized to add the designation ATF following their
name.
Although the major event of the annual meeting each spring
is the induction ceremony for new members, the meeting also
includes a scholarly session, and the video taping of
interviews with members for the preservation of the history
of American theatre. The College Archives are located at
the University of Texas, Austin.
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