The Founders Circle
NAE Patron Program 2026
For those who already recognize our long-term mission as a cultural necessity, we are offering 40 places in the New American Ensemble Founders Circle. Founders Circle patrons are our “day ones,” remembered as those who refused to let theater vanish into trend or silence. With a minimum commitment of:
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$5,000 (individual)
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$8,000 (couple or foundation)
to our 2026 campaign, your name will be listed on our website and carried forward in perpetuity as one of the patrons who took a leap of faith and gave NAE crucial early support.
De’Medici, Guggenheim, Mellon, Gardner—these patrons are remembered because they chose to stand with artists when it mattered. Their names endure because they redirected history’s gaze and authored the culture they wanted to live in.
Founders Circle perks:
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Personalized "thank you" note from our Artistic Director
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Recognition on our website's patron page
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Monthly digital newsletter with behind-the-scenes content and artist spotlights
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Priority email updates on new productions and special events
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Invitation to pre-show toast and conversation with Artistic Director
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Reserved seating section for all NAE productions
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First access to purchase tickets for new shows
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Invitation to post-show Q&A session with cast and creative team
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Recognition in all show Playbills and event programs
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Signed show poster from the Ensemble
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Private email access to Artistic Director for show discussions
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Annual artistic retreat invitation - day-long immersion in NAE's creative process
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Your name will be listed on our website and carried forward in perpetuity as one of the patrons who took a leap of faith for an important mission and gave NAE crucial early support.
We are taking the next step on our 5 year journey - The Road To Ensemble - by launching our 2026 Season. Join the story by sponsoring an element of our next production, Anton Chekhov's Ivanov.
With your help, we will meet our goal of raising $350,000 by January 1st 2026. In 2026, we’ll expand our production schedule, scale our organizational infrastructure, and bring more artists and patrons into the fold.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can do so through our registered 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective.
Another way to give?
If you would like to join our mission as a patron, you can donate through a giving platform linked here.
If you would like to donate through alternate means, including check, Venmo, PayPal, or ACH/wire transfer, or if you are interested in supporting our mission through other forms of support including work in kind, please contact please email Gianna Kiehl, Executive Director, at gianna@newamericanensemble.org.
All donations are eligible for tax benefits when donated through our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective.
Whatever the form, support matters. We are so grateful for your interest.
Warmly,
NAE
About Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective
Since 2017, Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective has championed and produced new plays throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Through the programming of mainstage productions, community focused readings, and new play programs such as INCUBATION SERIES + INCUBATE NYC, we’re driven by our commitment to foster new work for New York City.
WHY ARE WE CALLED EGG & SPOON?
Our mission is perfectly captured in the image of an egg and spoon race. We're cradling something delicate, focused on walking forward. And if the egg falls or breaks, we pick it up or get another. The joy that is present at block parties and field days is community-centric. It brings us together, for the sake of bringing us together. We hope that we can nurture artists and stories in a similar fashion, with care, and always with a playful spirit.
Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective is a proud member of the Alliance of Resident Theatres New York (A.R.T./NY), which is is an arts service organization dedicated to supporting New York City’s vibrant community of nonprofit theatres.
FISCAL SPONSORSHIP
A registered 501(c)(3), Egg & Spoon is proud to sponsor New American Ensemble, and other mission aligned theatrical organizations in New York City and beyond.