American Theatre Wing Names Angela Lansbury Honorary Chairman

The American Theatre Wing has named Angela Lansbury as its first ever Honorary Chairman. The 5-time Tony Award-winning actress accepted the position this evening onstage during the Tony Awards ceremony. Theodor S. Chapin, ATW's Chairman of the Board of Directors made the announcement and introduced Ms. Lansbury. As Honorary Chariman, Ms. Lansbury will be involved with carrying out the American Theatre Wing's mission of recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre.

Accepting the position, which she referred to as a 'prestigious honor', Ms. Lansbury said:

"Would you believe 70 years ago, I arrived in New York with my mother and twin brothers - evacuated from war-torn London? Because we did not have the means for me to continue my training as an actress, The American Theatre Wing of the British War Relief Effort arranged for me to have a scholarship to study at a dramatic school here in New York. The training I received eventually led to a wonderful career.

We talk about a person becoming a star overnight. It really doesn't happen that way you know. Young people hoping for a career in theatre should think about learning everything they can about their craft, and how to apply those skills in the modern world of the theatre. The American Theatre Wing website offers hundreds of hours of free programs to students, aspiring professionals and audiences. I hope you young hopefules out there will take advantage of these invaluable resources and maybe someday you will find yourself saying 'thank you' on stage at the Tonys."

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.