About Us

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our History 

Since its start in the 1980s, the Anna L. Weissberger Foundation has been a champion of groundbreaking works and productions that foster excitement, innovation, and creativity in theater.

 

L. Arnold Weissberger was a renowned entertainment lawyer who represented some of the biggest artists of his day, including Helen Hayes, Laurence Olivier, David O. Selznick, Otto Preminger, Martha Graham, Placido Domingo, and Orson Welles, who delivered the eulogy at Arnold's funeral. Arnold was also an avid photographer and published two well-received volumes of portraits, including Famous Faces.​

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Jay also created the Weissberger Theatre Group which, in a joint venture with the foundation, produced numerous off-Broadway shows and several Broadway productions, including Side Man, winner of the 1999 Tony Award for Best Play. Sideman–which was written by Warren Leight and starred Edie Falco and Frank Wood–was also nominated for a Drama Desk Award and a Pultizer Prize.

 

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our Mission Today 

To further realize Arnold's and Jay's vision to support theater arts, the foundation continues to recognize excellence in playwriting through the award, now known as the Weissberger/Harris Award, which is administered by Playwright's Horizons beginning with the 2025-26 season. The winner receives $15,000, and two finalists each receive $2,500.

 

In addition, we provide support to not-for-profit theaters to aid the production of plays and musicals. In 2025, we also established the Jay S. Harris Emerging Artist Grant in an amount of up to $5,000, which is expected to be awarded annually. Finally, Weissberger Productions LLC, successor to Weissberger Theatre Group, produces plays and musicals. The foundation strives to ensure that a broad variety of viewpoints and experiences are represented on the stage.

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For additional information about...

the Weissberger/Harris Award, click here.

plays and musicals supported by the foundation, click here. 

plays and musicals supported by Weissberger Theatre Group/Productions, click here.

 

If you would like us to consider providing a grant, donation, or other means of support to your organization or for your play or musical, please contact us.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our Trustees

Jenny Harris, President

Jeffrey Feinman, Treasurer

David Stoll, Secretary

Peter Raymond

Jen Rogers

Fredda Harris (Emeritus)

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Trustee Bios

Jenny Harris spent 25 years as a video producer and news editor at Reuters and CNN, where she worked her way up from desk assistant to executive producer of CNN’s Moneyline. At Reuters, Jenny helped launch Reuters TV and supervised a team of video journalists covering global breaking news. Since joining the board of Weissberger in 2007, she has been guided by the vision of her late father, former Weissberger Foundation President, entertainment attorney, and Tony-winning producer, Jay S. Harris, to support the magic and thrill of live theater. 

 

Jeffrey Feinman is the Managing Partner of DDK & Company, where he blends his astute expertise with unwavering dedication to client success. His expertise extends across diverse sectors, from not-for-profits to high-net-worth individuals, encompassing the dynamic realm of sports & entertainment, founders & entrepreneurs, as well as the vibrant worlds of art galleries and theaters. He finds solace in the rich cultural tapestry of New York City, exploring its theater scene, art galleries, and fine dining while also indulging his passions for hockey and tennis.

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David Stoll has spent nearly 20 years preparing New York City high school students for college entrance exams and previously had spent 10 years as a corporate litigator. He has been an avid theater goer since he fell in love with Broadway upon seeing the original production of Sweeney Todd.

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Peter Raymond, who is currently a partner at Wachtel Missry LLP in New York, is a highly experienced litigator who specializes in cases in the intellectual property, entertainment, right of privacy, and communications fields. Peter was a law partner of the foundation’s founder, Jay S. Harris, and was instrumental in assisting Jay in carrying out the wishes of L. Arnold Weissberger through the founding of the Anna L. Weissberger Foundation and the creation of the Weissberger Theatre Group.

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An award winning financial journalist, anchor, and moderator, Jen Rogers has worked for CNN, Reuters, and Yahoo Finance and continues to host panels with business leaders for CNBC events. A passionate advocate for cancer patients, she has raised millions for medical research through Comedy vs. Cancer which she co-founded. She loves Wednesday matinees and opening nights. 

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Fredda Harris, who was President of the foundation from 2007 through 2023, has extensive experience in theater, including working with the Nederlander Organization, sitting on the American Theater Wing's Advisory Committee, working with the Theater Development Fund, and serving as a Trustee of the Williamtsown Theater Festival.