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McCarter Theatre Center receives $500,000 challenge grant

McCarter Theatre Center has received a $500,000 challenge grant for the theater’s endowment fund from philanthropist Betty Wold Johnson.

Johnson, an advocate for the performing arts in New Jersey, donated the money as part of the Campaign for McCarter, the largest fundraising effort in the theatre’s 87-year history. The goal of the campaign is to add $10 million to the theatre’s endowment for general operating support.

“We are deeply appreciative of this significant gift from Mrs. Johnson. Princeton would be a lesser place without her leadership in philanthropy,” said Leslie Kuenne, president of the theatre’s board of trustees.

McCarter Theatre Center features hundreds of performances on its two stages annually. In 1994, McCarter was honored with the Regional Theatre Tony Award. In addition to plays, the theater presents dance performances, classical music, pop, jazz, comedy, magic, children’s theatre, and more.

“This campaign is critical to ensuring that McCarter remains a vital cultural institution for the  next generation of theater lovers, an artistic home for emerging and legendary playwrights from all backgrounds and a beacon of the very best in the performing arts in our community.’ said Emily Mann, McCarter Theatre’s artistic director.