The Road to Ensemble:
A STORY IN FIVE ACTS
It's time for a new kind of theater.
In a time of digital alienation and cultural division, the radical act of gathering together through storytelling is not only vital, it may be the only way to truly remember our shared humanity. At New American Ensemble, we believe the experience of seeing and making theater should deliver the kind of emotional impact that lasts long after the curtain closes. We ask the question, what use is there in a performance if the audience leaves unchanged?
Nearly every story we remember follows a five-act structure, from ancient myths, to Shakespeare, to the feature films of today. This arc is universal, reflecting how change enters the human imagination: an idea is born, tested, transformed, and ultimately births a new equilibrium, in itself a new beginning. We see the path forward as a series of moments, from small changes, collective effort and huge risk, all carrying us into a greater story: a five act play that builds to a collective cultural shift.
2025
Act I: The Foundation
In an age defined by digitization and political unrest, sustaining live theater is not optional; it is essential. But the conditions for truly connective, transformative art are disappearing.
Our story begins with a vision: in a city where commercial pressures often erode depth, our mission is to protect and expand the time, space, and rigor that true artistry requires.
2026
Act II: Rising Action
As public arts funding shrinks and cultural investment falters, one truth remains salient: it is patronage, not commerce, that will preserve and advance the spaces that artists need in order to thrive.
So in year two, a risk is taken, a journey begins, and new possibilities are discovered through challenge and change. With the help of patrons, we scale our productions and increase actors' salaries to competitive wages.
2027
Act III: The Turning Point
This is the year the first permanent ensemble is instated. We have joined forces with our community, patrons and artists alike, to make possible a company of actors who train, rehearse, and perform, all under salaried positions within the organization. The cultural story shifts, proving that New York is not only ready, but needs, artistic movements that bring people together, united.
2028
Act IV: The Arrival
Vision crystallizes into presence. A full cycle of productions engages new audiences. Our community widens. With national visibility, partnerships, classes and touring, our ensemble declares itself not only as a New York institution but as a cultural force, challenging the dominance of commerce with the vibrance of genuine artistry.
2029 & Beyond
Act V: A New Equilibrium
From experiment to permanence, we arrive at balance: sustainability, education, residencies, and endowment-building anchor our legacy. Other organizations founded on human connection, bold exploration and creative authenticity crop up. What began as risk becomes a movement, proving that this model can once again shape the cultural future of America.
The Road to Ensemble: Capital Campaign
2025-2029
Let's tell this story together.
For centuries, storytellers thrived under patronage models, supported by visionaries who understood that art was not just a commodity, but a necessity. This kind of fiscal support built the great artistic movements of history, and is the reason we remember names like Guggenheim and de’ Medici. That is why we our launching The Road to Ensemble: Capital Campaign.
The great patrons of the past knew then what we know now: stories shape the way we understand the world — and they shape the way we build the future. With the support of visionary individuals, not only will New American Ensemble be able to stage performances that result in a lasting impact on audiences; we will usher in a new Golden Age of theater in The United States, together.
To learn more about the patronage model, visit our Support page.
Patron Tiers
Every year that you give, enjoy exclusive immersion into the ensemble theater-making process, from Q&A's to cast and crew socials to one-to-one conversations with our creative teams. You are not just helping us launch the ensemble, you are becoming part of it.
For a limited time only...
The Founders Circle
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 $5,000 (individual) or $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. The same opportunity stands before you now.
To support our 2026 season, visit Ivanov Sponsorships.
More ways 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, please email Scott Gordon, Development Director, at Scott@newamericanensemble.org to learn more.
All donations are eligible for tax benefits when donated through our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, Egg & Spoon Theatre Collective.
If you are interested in supporting our mission through other forms of support including work in kind, please contact Gianna Kiehl, Executive Director, at gianna@newamericanensemble.org.
Whatever the form, support matters. We are so grateful for your interest.
Warmly,
NAE