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Encore Awards

Many feel that the Manhattan Theatre Club would not be where it is today if it were not for Barry Grove. His ability, dedication, and brilliance in managing MTC has enabled it to grow from a tiny showcase on East 73rd Street to one of the largest theatres in the country. In the more recent past, his leadership roles with the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, Theatre Communications Group, the New York State Council on the Arts, to name a few, have firmly established him as one of the most respected and influential managers in the American theatre.

During his tenure, Barry has guided a campaign of growth that has dramatically expanded both the voluntary support and earned revenues of MTC. Manhattan Theatre Club's annual audience has grown to 250,000; subscriptions are sold out; the theatre raises over $4 million annually, with individual donors numbering nearly 6,000. A Patron's program and Councils supporting Education, the Writers in Performance series, Play Development and Musical Theatre programs have been established. When Barry signed on with MTC there was a staff of eight and a budget of just over $100,000. In its current 25th Anniversary season, MTC boasts a budget of over $10 million and a staff of 55.

Barry understands the balance between artistic excellence and fiscal security. He helped to create an atmosphere free of the pressures of the commercial theater and enlisted MTC audiences as participant in the play development process. When MTC was forced to find a new home, Barry skillfully negotiated a move into City Center where they have been happily ensconced since 1983.

MTC has received many awards including Tonys, Obies, Drama Desks, Outer Critics Circle and many more; and Barry Grove is the man who helped make it all possible.