League of Historic American Theatres

League of Historic American Theatres is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting historic theatres across the United States, such as the Orpheum Theatre (Los Angeles), Palace Theatre (New York City), and Chicago Theatre. Founded in 1976 by a group of theatre enthusiasts, including David Naylor and Richard Sklenar, the organization aims to support the restoration and maintenance of historic theatres like the Fox Theatre (Atlanta) and Paramount Theatre (Oakland, California). The organization works closely with other preservation groups, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Theatre Historical Society of America, to protect and promote America's rich theatre heritage, including iconic venues like the Globe Theatre (Los Angeles), Warner Theatre (Washington, D.C.), and Riviera Theatre (Chicago).

● History

The League of Historic American Theatres was established in 1976 with the goal of preserving historic theatres in the United States, such as the Boston Opera House, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall. The organization's founders, including David Naylor and Richard Sklenar, were inspired by the work of preservationists like Jane Jacobs and Ada Louise Huxtable, who fought to save historic buildings like the Penn Station (New York City) and Grand Central Terminal. Over the years, the organization has grown to include members from across the country, representing theatres like the Orpheum Theatre (San Francisco), Pantages Theatre (Hollywood), and Boettcher Concert Hall. The League of Historic American Theatres has worked with other organizations, such as the National Park Service and the American Institute of Architects, to develop guidelines and standards for the preservation of historic theatres, including the Wiltern Theatre, Uptown Theatre (Chicago), and Avalon Hollywood.

● Organization

The League of Historic American Theatres is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from historic theatres like the Fox Theatre (Detroit), Paramount Theatre (Seattle), and Warner Theatre (Erie, Pennsylvania). The organization has a small staff, including an executive director, who works with members and partners to advance the organization's mission, including collaborations with the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Services. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has members from across the United States, representing theatres like the Riviera Theatre (North Tonawanda, New York), State Theatre (Minneapolis), and Orpheum Theatre (Wichita, Kansas). The League of Historic American Theatres also works with other preservation organizations, such as the Theatre Communications Group and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, to promote the preservation of historic theatres like the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre, and Richard Rodgers Theatre.

● Membership

Membership in the League of Historic American Theatres is open to historic theatres, as well as individuals and organizations that support the organization's mission, including the Shubert Organization, Nederlander Organization, and Jujamcyn Theaters. Members include historic theatres like the Palace Theatre (Columbus, Ohio), Ohio Theatre (Columbus, Ohio), and Southern Theatre, as well as preservation organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Theatre Historical Society of America. Members receive benefits, including access to technical assistance, networking opportunities, and discounts on League of Historic American Theatres events, such as the annual League of Historic American Theatres conference, which has been held in cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The organization also offers resources and support to members, including guidance on preservation and restoration, as well as marketing and promotion, through partnerships with organizations like the American Theatre Wing and the Drama Desk Awards.

● Preservation Efforts

The League of Historic American Theatres is involved in a variety of preservation efforts, including advocacy, education, and technical assistance, in collaboration with organizations like the National Register of Historic Places, Historic Preservation Fund, and Save America's Treasures. The organization works with historic theatres like the Fox Theatre (St. Louis), Powell Symphony Hall, and Peabody Opera House to develop preservation plans and secure funding for restoration projects, through grants from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The League of Historic American Theatres also provides technical assistance to members, including guidance on historic preservation tax credits, which have been used to restore theatres like the Warner Theatre (Torrington, Connecticut) and The Bushnell. The organization has also developed a variety of educational resources, including publications and workshops, to promote the preservation of historic theatres like the Globe Theatre (Berkeley, California) and Curran Theatre.

● Notable Theatres

The League of Historic American Theatres has worked with a variety of notable historic theatres, including the Orpheum Theatre (Los Angeles), Palace Theatre (New York City), and Chicago Theatre. Other notable theatres that have been involved with the organization include the Fox Theatre (Atlanta), Paramount Theatre (Oakland, California), and Riviera Theatre (Chicago). The organization has also worked with historic theatres like the Globe Theatre (Los Angeles), Warner Theatre (Washington, D.C.), and Boettcher Concert Hall, to promote their preservation and restoration, through partnerships with organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Theatre Historical Society of America. The League of Historic American Theatres has also recognized the contributions of individuals like David Naylor and Richard Sklenar, who have worked to preserve historic theatres like the Boston Opera House and Carnegie Hall.

● Activities and Events

The League of Historic American Theatres hosts a variety of activities and events, including an annual conference, which has been held in cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The conference features workshops, tours, and networking opportunities, and is attended by members and non-members alike, including representatives from historic theatres like the Orpheum Theatre (San Francisco), Pantages Theatre (Hollywood), and Avalon Hollywood. The organization also hosts regional meetings and workshops, which provide opportunities for members to share knowledge and best practices, in collaboration with organizations like the Theatre Communications Group and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. The League of Historic American Theatres also participates in national preservation events, such as Preservation Week and National Historic Preservation Month, to promote the preservation of historic theatres like the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, Al Hirschfeld Theatre, and Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Category:Historic preservation organizations in the United States