About Us
Our Mission Statement
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.
As part of this goal, the foundation recognizes excellence in playwriting through the annual L. Arnold Weissberger Award, which is administered by Williamstown Theatre Festival. Created in 1998 by former Festival Trustee and longtime Weissberger Foundation President Jay S. Harris, the $10,000 award is given to a playwright for a full-length, unpublished, unproduced work. Additionally, the award carries a $10,000 commission, named for the late Jay S. Harris, to write a new play as well as a residency at the Festival.
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The Weissberger Foundation's mission also includes the financial support of not-for-profit theaters to aid the production of plays and musicals. The foundation strives to ensure that a broad variety of viewpoints and experiences are represented on the stage.
Our Board of 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.