Princeton - PWB 120798 - Berlind gives McCarter $3.5 million

Princeton Weekly Bulletin December 7, 1998

Berlind gives McCarter $3.5 million

New 350-seat theater to be named for producer of Amadeus, City of Angels

Actress Glenn Close (r), producer Roger Berlind and McCarter Theatre director Emily Mann conversed before the announcement of Berlind's gift at a press conference at McCarter on November 30. Close, a personal friend of Berlind, appeared as Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at McCarter in the 1970's. (photo: Denise Applewhite)

Theater producer Roger Berlind '52 has made a $3.5 million gift to support a major expansion of McCarter Theatre and its educational programs.

The centerpiece of the expansion will be the Roger S. Berlind Theater, a 350-seat proscenium theater to be used both by McCarter and the University's Program in Theater and Dance.

In his 20-year career in the theater, Berlind has brought more than 25 productions to the Broadway stage, including Amadeus, City of Angels and most recently, a revival of A View From the Bridge. He is the winner of nine Tony Awards. A former trustee of the University, he has long been a strong supporter of the arts at Princeton. In addition to providing for a second stage for the historic theater, his gift will provide an endowment for the Theater and Dance program.

Berlind's "creative mind and generous spirit have benefited Princeton in many ways," said President Shapiro. "His latest gift will not only encourage students to explore their world through the performing arts, it will also enrich the entire Princeton community."

In 1986, Berlind established the Roger S. Berlind '52 Professorship in the Humanities at Princeton, now held by Joyce Carol Oates. A member of the English Department's Advisory Committee, he has also been a trustee of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. His son William is a member of the Class of 1995.

"This project is exciting to me," said Berlind, "because it will enhance what is already a first-rate program for undergraduates, and at the same time further enrich the cultural resources
of the Princeton community."

Said Emily Mann, artistic director of McCarter, "I'm confident that the synergy of working together more closely will provide enormous benefits for McCarter, for Princeton's students and for our audiences."


	Actress Glenn Close (r), producer Roger Berlind and McCarter Theatre director Emily Mann conversed before the announcement of Berlind's gift at a press conference at McCarter on November 30. Close, a personal friend of Berlind, appeared as Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at McCarter in the 1970's. (photo: Denise Applewhite)