Robert E. Wankel News

Joining the board at its annual fall meeting on October 7, 2021, were music director Ted Arthur, City National Bank Executive Vice President Linda Duncombe, actor Mandy Gonzalez, lyricist/composer Amanda Green, Times Square Alliance Executive Director Tom Harris, stage manager Kenneth J. McGee and actor John Eric Parker.

The Board of Directors of The Shubert Organization announced today the appointment of Laura Forese, M.D., M.P.H. as a new member of the board, effective immediately. Dr. Forese will also serve on the board of The Shubert Foundation.

The Shubert Organization received more than $82.3 million from a recent real estate deal. The Broadway theatre company recently agreed to sell two vacant lots on Eighth Avenue, as well as the air rights above the Imperial Theatre. The spaces were sold to real estate developer, Extell Development Company.

Following an open call for submissions, The Shubert Organization’s Artistic Circle has announced the first five producers chosen to participate in its Core Program.

The Showtickets.com transaction and new partnership serves great purpose for both organizations as Shubert makes strategic investments to enhance its ticketing experience, and as EBG shifts its focus to corporate programs, opaque channels, and distribution partnerships.

Following the impact of COVID-19 on the performing arts, The Shubert Foundation announced today that it is awarding a record $32.1 million in 2021 grants to 575 not-for-profit theatres, dance companies, professional theatre training programs, and related service agencies across the United States.

More than 4,000 theatre supporters tuned in to watch as the Educational Theatre Foundation’s Theatre Alive! gala honored award-winning director, producer & actor Kenny Leon with the second annual Craig Zadan Theatre for Life Award, and Chairman and CEO Robert E. Wankel accepted the annual Standing Ovation Award on behalf of The Shubert Foundation.

Theatre Alive! VIP After-Party will follow Educational Theatre Foundation's Theatre Alive! gala honoring Kenny Leon and The Shubert Organization will present a live concert performance and talkback with Kate Baldwin. EFT is raising funds to support school theatre programs hard-hit by the global pandemic and economic downturn.

Today there is something fun and exciting to announce. You may recall, back in June I did a story about legendary theatrical figure Albert Poland and his book STAGES, which is not only an excellent and enjoyable read for anyone interested in theatre, but continues its strength in sales, hence, bringing it to audiobook.

The Shubert Organization has announced the passing of its beloved Chairman Emeritus, Philip J. Smith. Mr. Smith passed away peacefully on January 15, 2021, in New York City at the age of 89. The cause of death was complications from Covid-19, confirmed by his daughters, Linda Phillips and Jennifer Stein.

The Educational Theatre Foundation will honor award-winning director, producer, and actor Kenny Leon with its second annual Craig Zadan Theatre for Life Award on January 28 at 8:30 p.m. (EST).

The Board of Directors of The Shubert Organization announced the appointment of Dr. Pamela Newkirk as a new member of the board, effective immediately. Dr. Newkirk will also serve on the board of The Shubert Foundation. 

The Educational Theatre Foundation will honor award-winning director, producer, and actor Kenny Leon with its second annual Craig Zadan Theatre for Life Award on January 28 at 8:30 p.m. (EST).

Six Broadway leaders and stalwarts - Adam Krauthamer, Kimberly Marable, Brian Moreland, Javier Muñoz, Billy Porter and Schele Williams - today joined the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' Board of Trustees.

Getting on the phone with Albert Poland totally swept me away and into the world we love for a glorious 45 minutes...

Philip J. Smith, Chairman and Co-CEO of The Shubert Organization, has announced his retirement, effective June 30th, 2020. The Shubert Organization owns and operates 17 Broadway theatres and six Off-Broadway venues. Mr. Smith will also resign his duties as Chairman of The Shubert Foundation.

The Shubert Foundation has awarded a total of $32 million in 2020 grants to 560 not-for-profit performing arts organizations across the United States.

The Board of Directors of The Shubert Organization announced the appointment of Richard J. Poccia as a new member of the board, effective immediately. Mr. Poccia will also serve on the board of The Shubert Foundation.

Last night, the producers of the Broadway hits Beetlejuice, David Byrne's American Utopia and Moulin Rouge! The Musical hosted a special celebration in honor of director Alex Timbers. The evening brought together many producers, collaborators and artists that Alex has worked with throughout his career.

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) (Artistic Director James C. Nicola and Managing Director Jeremy Blocker) announced today performers, presenters and the host for the NYTW 2020 Gala, honoring NYTW Usual Suspect & Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Three Pianos at NYTW) and Tony Award-winning producer Jordan Roth (Producer of Hadestown; President of Jujamcyn Theaters). The Gala will be held on Monday, February 3 at Capitale (130 Bowery, New York, NY 10013).