Our History

L. Arnold Weissberger was a renowned theatrical 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.

Named for his mother, the Anna L. Weissberger Foundation was created after Arnold's death in 1981.

Arnold's longtime law partner, Jay S. Harris (1938-2007), expanded the foundation's reach through a partnership with the Williamstown Theatre Festival, which has administered the L. Arnold Weissberger Award since 1998 and the Jay S. Harris Commission since 2015.

L. Arnold Weissberger and Jay S. Harris

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.

Click here for past recipients of the L. Arnold Weissberger Award.

Click here for theatrical productions supported by the foundation.

The foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity, also supports theater arts through grants and donations. For the 2024-2025 season, we have provided support to the following theaters:

Williamstown Theatre Festival

Manhattan Theatre Club

The Public Theater

AMT Theater

If you would like us to consider providing a grant or donation to your not-for-profit theater, please Contact Us.