Our Next Act: The Future of the Stella Adler Studio
Your Support Matters More Than Ever
The Stella Adler Studio of Acting stands at a pivotal moment. As we celebrate 75 years of artistic excellence, we look not backward, but forward, to a bold new chapter defined by sustainability, access, and resilience.
Join us in making a bold investment in creative education, to ensure our next 75 years remain accessible, vibrant, and transformative for generations to come.
We aim to raise $500,000 this summer to sustain our education and arts programs through the current seismic shift in the nonprofit landscape.
This campaign will culminate in a joyous celebration: our 75th Anniversary Stella by Starlight gala, at the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway this September.
Stella By Starlight: A Night on Broadway
75th Anniversary Gala to benefit the Stella Adler Studio
September 17th, 2025 at the Ambassador Theatre
Sponsored by the Samuel H. Scripps Foundation
Our First 75 Years
Founded in 1949 by Stella Adler, the Studio has trained some of America’s most legendary actors. Today, our graduates are regularly seen in Broadway and West End productions, award-winning films, and beloved television series.
In addition to our actor training programs, we offer free programming to over 1,000 New Yorkers each year through our Arts Justice Division, and host free and low-cost cultural events through the Stella Adler Center for the Arts to expand the horizons of our students and the greater community.
The Urgent Need Across Nonprofit Arts and Education
The nonprofit theater industry faces a perfect storm of increasing costs, decreasing donations, and reduced government support, threatening the sustainability of many organizations.
Professional theaters across the country are pausing programming, closing physical spaces, and consolidating limited resources to stay afloat…or closing entirely.
Several MFA programs, acting conservatories, and entire university theater departments have closed in the past few years. At a time where we deeply need artists to remind us of our humanity, how do we move forward?
Operating costs up 60%
Across all industries since 2022, increasing rents, staffing, production costs, materials, and other expenses create financial strain.
Individual giving down 30%
Nonprofits face fewer donations from individual donors since pre-COVID as economic uncertainty lingers.
Challenge America grants cut
Reduced or cancelled government funding from the NEA for smaller arts organizations is destabilizing the industry.
The Studio is Strong, but Not Immune
Against the backdrop of national closures, the Stella Adler Studio is standing strong. Enrollment is high in our programs, proving a sustainable model is possible. But we are not invulnerable to these industry-wide challenges. Unlike larger actor training institutions who have shifted their financial models away from tuition, we lack a substantial endowment that provides financial stability. The high cost of operating in New York City creates additional significant strain.
So what does our next act look like? How do we ensure theater remains a right and not a luxury?
Join Us In Authoring Our Next Act
As we build the next chapter of American theater and arts education, we need your support to navigate this new economic climate. Our ability to serve aspiring actors and the greater community relies on the generosity of individual donors like you. Your gift in celebration of our 75th anniversary is critical in ensuring that we continue to provide accessible, high-quality, world-class arts education to the next generation. Please consider making a contribution today.
Stella By Starlight: A Night on Broadway
75th Anniversary Gala
to benefit the
Stella Adler Studio of Acting
& Center for the Arts
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Ambassador Theatre
219 W 49th St, New York, NY
Sponsored by the Samuel H. Scripps Foundation
Join us for an extraordinary evening on Broadway in support of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting’s mission to nurture the next generation of artists and change-makers. Proceeds from this celebration through Our Next Act Campaign ensure the Studio can continue to serve diverse communities, expand access to world-class training, and invest in the future of the performing arts. With your support, we will write the next chapter of the Studio’s legacy.
Hosted by
Chloe Fineman
(Saturday Night Live, Summer of 69)
Honoring
Matthew Modine
with the Stella Adler Award
(Full Metal Jacket, Stranger Things)
Honoring
Ann-Marie Foster
with the Harold Clurman Spirit Award
(CEO, Phoenix House)
Honoring
Vladimir Duthiers
with the Stella Adler Arts Advocacy Award
(CBS News)
Special Guest
Donna Murphy
(Schedule Permitting)
(The Gilded Age, Tangled)
Gala Sponsorship Levels
Producer’s Circle – $100,000
- Gala Sponsorship recognition
- Twenty Premier Orchestra seats
- Underwrite Ten Seats for Stella Adler Arts Justice Division participants
- Logo placement on gala invitation, website, step and repeat, and program
- Verbal recognition from stage by Gala Host
- Custom photo opportunity with participating gala artist(s)
- VIP cocktail reception named in your honor
- Opportunity to sponsor an honoree’s award, with on-stage recognition from Gala Host and featured branding in the event materials.
Visionary Sponsor – $50,000
- Gala Co-Sponsorship recognition
- Twenty Premier Orchestra seats
- Underwrite Ten Seats for Stella Adler Arts Justice Division participants
- Logo placement on gala invitation, website, step and repeat, and program
- Verbal recognition from stage by Gala Host
- Custom photo opportunity with participating gala artist(s)
- Opportunity to sponsor an honoree’s award, with on-stage recognition from Gala Host and featured branding in the event materials.
Benefactor – $25,000
- Ten Prime Orchestra seats
- Underwrite Ten Seats for Stella Adler Arts Justice Division participants
- Logo and name recognition on invitation, website, and program
- Acknowledgment from stage by Gala Host
- Opportunity to sponsor an honoree’s award, with on-stage recognition from Gala Host and featured branding in the event materials.
Ensemble Leader – $10,000
- Ten Orchestra seats
- Logo and name recognition on invitation, website, and program
- Acknowledgment from stage by Gala Host
Artist Advocate – $5,000
- Ten Orchestra seats
- Name recognition in printed and digital materials
- Private lunch with the Studio’s artistic leadership
Scene Partner – $2,500
- Two VIP Reserved seats
- Name listed on invitation, website, and program
- Choice of one 30-minute private class with a faculty member (movement, voice, or technique)
Solo Sponsor – $1,000
- One VIP Reserved seat
- Name listed on invitation, website, and program
Gala Guest – $500
- One Rear Orchestra seat
- Name listed in the evening’s digital program
Friend of the Studio – $250
- One Mezzanine seat
- Name listed in the evening’s digital program
Student Ticket – $50 (limited availability – first come, first serve)
- One Rear Mezzanine seat