Samuel H. Scripps
Encyclopedia
Samuel H. Scripps was a patron of the arts, and played a significant role in gaining support and recognition for theatre and dance companies throughout America in the second half of the twentieth century.
, American newspaper publisher and founder of The E. W. Scripps Company, and United Press International. Early in his life, Scripps developed a love for Shakespeare, as well as for dance. With his wife, Luise Elcanness Scripps, who was a specialist on the dance of India, Scripps was instrumental in promoting and supporting dance and theatre throughout America.
Scripps worked as Assistant Technical Director for the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, the Berkeley Shakespeare Festival, as well as Lighting Designer for the Riverside Shakespeare Company
, for which he was also a major donor to the first center for performance and training of the works of Shakespeare in New York City, The Shakespeare Center
. From 1988 to 1994, he was partner with W. Stuart McDowell in McDowell/Scripps Productions, developing new plays for the American stage, including The Brothers Booth!, which was workshopped in New York with David Strathairn
, David Dukes
, Maryann Plunkett
, Angela Goethals
, and Stephen Lang
. In later years, Scripps also became a major donor and supporter of Theatre for a Young Audience in New York. In recognition of Scripps' financial support for the rebuilding of the Globe Theatre
in London, Sam Wanamaker
, head of the Shakespeare Globe Trust, said, "Sam Scripps is playing a key role in spearheading the plans to make the recreation of Shakespeare's Globe in London a reality." Eventually, even after Mr. Wanamaker's death in 1993, Scripps went on to become a key American donor to the rebuilding of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London in 1997.
In addition to his involvement with numerous theatre and dance companies, Scripps was a professional lighting designer, technical director, photographer and film maker, as well as a member of arts boards throughout America.
In 1992, in recognition for his support of theatre and dance, specifically for the development of new lighting technology, Scripps was awarded the first Honorary Lifetime Membership to the United States Institute for Theatre Technology
(USITT).
. The award, which carried a gift of $35,000, became one of the most prestigious awards of its kind, and it recipients have been some of the most important dance choreographers in America in the second half of the 20th century.
The recipients of this prestigious award included Martha Graham
(1981), Merce Cunningham
(1982), Paul Taylor (1983), Hanya Holm
(1984), Alwin Nikolais
(1985), Katherine Dunham
(1986), Alvin Ailey
(1987), Erick Hawkins
(1988), Doris Humphrey
, Charles Weidman
and Jose Limón
(1989), Twyla Tharp
(1990), Anna Sokolow
(1991), Donald McKayle
(1992), Talley Beatty
(1993), Trisha Brown
(1994), Pearl Primus
and Helen Tamiris
(1995), Meredith Monk
(1996), Anna Halprin
(1997), Fayard and Harold Nicholas
(1998), Pina Bausch
(1999), Pilobolus Dance Theatre (2000), Garth Fagan
(2001), Maguy Marin (2003), the Japanese-born dance duo Eiko and Koma (2004), Bill T. Jones
(2005), Murray Louis
(2006), and Mark Morris
(2007).
His wife, Luise, dedicated her life to the dance of India, and donated her extensive collection of books and materials on the history of the dance of India to the Balasaraswati Performing Arts Centre. Luise Scripps was major supporters of the study and performance of the dance of India, where the Sam and Luise had once lived. In 1991, Luise Scripps established the Balasaraswati/Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke Chair for Distinguished Teaching, with additional support from Walter Beinecke, the daughters of Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke, and the ADF.
As a testament to the impact the Scripps had upon American dance, the American Dance Festival dedicated their season to Samuel H. Scripps and Luise Elcanness Scripps in 1999.
Scripps served on the boards of the Paul Taylor Dance Company
, the American Dance Festival, the Theatre for a New Audience, the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music
. Scripps also became one of the major contributors to the Globe Theatre Project in London, playing a major role in the establishment of the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London today.
In his obituary in the New York Times of February 17, 2007, it was noted:
In August, 2007, the Theatre for a New Audience honored Samuel H. Scripps by presenting the Samuel H. Scripps Award for Extraordinary Commitment to Promoting the Power of Language in Classical and Contemporary Theatre to Miss Cicely Berry, OBE. Hon.D.Lit, and a member of Theatre for a New Audience’s Artistic Council. Sam's philanthropic work and his love for children — allowing them a safe place to explore modern dance, theater and puppetry — can also be seen in his donation to establish Cocoon Theatre in Rhinebeck, New York, where Scripps lived with his wife, Luise, during the last years of his life.
Samuel H. Scripps was an important member of the American arts community, contributing to the success of many in the area of theater and dance, through his talent, his passion, and his considerable generosity.
A life in the theatre
Born and raised on what became known as the Scripps Ranch in San Diego, California, in 1927, Scripps was the grandson of Edward Willis ScrippsE. W. Scripps
Edward Willis Scripps , was an American newspaper publisher and founder of The E. W. Scripps Company, a diversified media conglomerate, and United Press news service. It became United Press International when International News Service merged with United Press in 1958. The E. W...
, American newspaper publisher and founder of The E. W. Scripps Company, and United Press International. Early in his life, Scripps developed a love for Shakespeare, as well as for dance. With his wife, Luise Elcanness Scripps, who was a specialist on the dance of India, Scripps was instrumental in promoting and supporting dance and theatre throughout America.
Riverside Shakespeare Company
The Riverside Shakespeare Company of New York City was founded in 1977 as a professional theatre company on the Upper West Side of New York City, by W. Stuart McDowell and Gloria Skurski...
, for which he was also a major donor to the first center for performance and training of the works of Shakespeare in New York City, The Shakespeare Center
The Shakespeare Center
The Shakespeare Center was the home of the Riverside Shakespeare Company, an Equity professional theatre company in New York City, beginning in 1982, when the then six-year-old theatre company established its center of theatre production and advanced actor training at the 90 year-old West Park...
. From 1988 to 1994, he was partner with W. Stuart McDowell in McDowell/Scripps Productions, developing new plays for the American stage, including The Brothers Booth!, which was workshopped in New York with David Strathairn
David Strathairn
David Russell Strathairn is an American actor. He was nominated for an Academy Award for portraying journalist Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck...
, David Dukes
David Dukes
David Coleman Dukes was an American character actor.-Life:Dukes was born in San Francisco, California, the son of a highway patrolman...
, Maryann Plunkett
Maryann Plunkett
Maryann Plunkett is an American actress who in 1987 won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance as "Sally Smith" in Me and My Girl....
, Angela Goethals
Angela Goethals
Angela Bethany Goethals is an American actress. She is known for her recurring guest appearance on 24 and her roles in the TV sitcom Phenom and the movie Home Alone.- Early life and career :...
, and Stephen Lang
Stephen Lang (actor)
Stephen Lang is an American actor and playwright. He started in theatre on Broadway but is well known for his film portrayals of Stonewall Jackson in Gods and Generals and George Pickett in Gettysburg , as well as for his 2009 roles as Colonel Miles Quaritch in Avatar and as Texan lawman Charles...
. In later years, Scripps also became a major donor and supporter of Theatre for a Young Audience in New York. In recognition of Scripps' financial support for the rebuilding of the Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was a theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and was destroyed by fire on 29 June 1613...
in London, Sam Wanamaker
Sam Wanamaker
Samuel Wanamaker was an American film director and actor and is credited as the person most responsible for the modern recreation of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London...
, head of the Shakespeare Globe Trust, said, "Sam Scripps is playing a key role in spearheading the plans to make the recreation of Shakespeare's Globe in London a reality." Eventually, even after Mr. Wanamaker's death in 1993, Scripps went on to become a key American donor to the rebuilding of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London in 1997.
In addition to his involvement with numerous theatre and dance companies, Scripps was a professional lighting designer, technical director, photographer and film maker, as well as a member of arts boards throughout America.
In 1992, in recognition for his support of theatre and dance, specifically for the development of new lighting technology, Scripps was awarded the first Honorary Lifetime Membership to the United States Institute for Theatre Technology
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
The United States Institute for Theatre Technology is a membership organization which aims to advance the skills and knowledge of theatre, entertainment and performing arts professionals involved in the areas of design, production and technology, and to generally promote their interests...
(USITT).
Influence on the world of dance
Sam Scripps played an important role in recognizing the importance of dance choreography in America. In addition to lending his financial support to various dance programs from California to New York, in 1981 he established and endowed the Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement in Choreography. The award was given annually, administered by the Association for the American Dance FestivalAmerican Dance Festival
The American Dance Festival is a six and four-week school for dance and a six-week summer festival of modern dance performances, currently held at Duke University and the Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, North Carolina....
. The award, which carried a gift of $35,000, became one of the most prestigious awards of its kind, and it recipients have been some of the most important dance choreographers in America in the second half of the 20th century.
The recipients of this prestigious award included Martha Graham
Martha Graham
Martha Graham was an American modern dancer and choreographer whose influence on dance has been compared with the influence Picasso had on modern visual arts, Stravinsky had on music, or Frank Lloyd Wright had on architecture.She danced and choreographed for over seventy years...
(1981), Merce Cunningham
Merce Cunningham
Mercier "Merce" Philip Cunningham was an American dancer and choreographer who was at the forefront of the American avant-garde for more than 50 years. Throughout much of his life, Cunningham was considered one of the greatest creative forces in American dance...
(1982), Paul Taylor (1983), Hanya Holm
Hanya Holm
Hanya Holm is known as one of the “Big Four” founders of American modern dance...
(1984), Alwin Nikolais
Alwin Nikolais
Alwin Nikolais was an American choreographer.Nikolais studied piano at an early age and began his performing career as an organist accompanying silent films. As a young artist, he gained skills in scenic design, acting, puppetry and music composition...
(1985), Katherine Dunham
Katherine Dunham
Katherine Mary Dunham was an American dancer, choreographer, songwriter, author, educator, and activist...
(1986), Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey, Jr. was an American choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. Ailey is credited with popularizing modern dance and revolutionizing African-American participation in 20th century concert dance...
(1987), Erick Hawkins
Erick Hawkins
Frederick Hawkins known as Erick Hawkins was a leading American modern-dance choreographer and dancer...
(1988), Doris Humphrey
Doris Humphrey
Doris Batcheller Humphrey was a dancer and choreographer of the early twentieth century. Humphrey was born in Oak Park, Illinois but grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Horace Buckingham Humphrey and Julia Ellen Wells and was a descendant of pilgrim William Brewster...
, Charles Weidman
Charles Weidman
Charles Weidman is a renowned choreographer, modern dancer and teacher. He is well known as one of the pioneers of Modern Dance in America. He wanted to break free from the traditional movements of dance forms popular at the time to create a uniquely American style of movement...
and Jose Limón
José Limón
José Arcadio Limón was a pioneer in the field of modern dance and choreography. In 1928, at age 20, he moved to New York City where he studied under Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman. In 1946, Limón founded the José Limón Dance Company...
(1989), Twyla Tharp
Twyla Tharp
Twyla Tharp is an American dancer and choreographer, who lives and works in New York City.-Early years:Tharp was born in 1941 on a farm in Portland, Indiana, and was named after Twila Thornburg, the "Pig Princess" of the 89th Annual Muncie Fair in Indiana.she spend hours working on it to help her...
(1990), Anna Sokolow
Anna Sokolow
Anna Sokolow was a Jewish American dancer and choreographer.-Training:...
(1991), Donald McKayle
Donald McKayle
Donald McKayle is an African American modern dancer, choreographer, teacher, director and writer best known for creating socially conscious concert works during the 1950s and 60s that focus on expressing the human condition and more specifically, the black experience in America...
(1992), Talley Beatty
Talley Beatty
Talley Beatty was born in Cedar Grove, Louisiana, a section of Shreveport, but grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He is considered one of the greatest of African American choreographers, and also bears the titles dancer, educator, and dance company director...
(1993), Trisha Brown
Trisha Brown
Trisha Brown is a postmodernist American choreographer and dancer.Brown was born in Aberdeen, Washington, and received a B.A. degree in dance from Mills College in 1958. Brown later received a D.F.A. from Bates College in 2000. For several summers she studied with Louis Horst at the American Dance...
(1994), Pearl Primus
Pearl Primus
Pearl Primus was a dancer, choreographer and anthropologist. Primus played an important role in the presentation of African dance to American audiences. Early in her career she saw the needs to promote African dance as an art form worthy of study and performance...
and Helen Tamiris
Helen Tamiris
Helen Tamiris was an American choreographer, modern dancer, and teacher.-Biography:A founder of American Modern Dance, Tamiris originally trained in free movement at the Henry Street Settlement. She danced with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and the Bracale Opera Company before studying briefly...
(1995), Meredith Monk
Meredith Monk
Meredith Jane Monk is an American composer, performer, director, vocalist, filmmaker, and choreographer. Since the 1960s, Monk has created multi-disciplinary works which combine music, theatre, and dance, recording extensively for ECM Records.-Life and work:Meredith Monk is primarily known for her...
(1996), Anna Halprin
Anna Halprin
Anna Halprin helped pioneer the experimental art form known as postmodern dance and referred to herself as the breaker of modern dance. Halprin, along with her contemporaries such as Trisha Brown, Simone Forti, Yvonne Rainer, John Cage, and Robert Morris, collaborated and built a community based...
(1997), Fayard and Harold Nicholas
Nicholas Brothers
The Nicholas Brothers were a famous African American team of dancing brothers, Fayard and Harold . With their highly acrobatic technique , high level of artistry and daring innovations, they were considered by many the greatest tap dancers of their day...
(1998), Pina Bausch
Pina Bausch
Philippina "Pina" Bausch was a German performer of modern dance, choreographer, dance teacher and ballet director...
(1999), Pilobolus Dance Theatre (2000), Garth Fagan
Garth Fagan
Gawain Garth Fagan, CD is a Jamaican modern dance choreographer. He is the founder and artistic director of Garth Fagan Dance, a modern dance company based in Rochester, New York.-Early years:...
(2001), Maguy Marin (2003), the Japanese-born dance duo Eiko and Koma (2004), Bill T. Jones
Bill T. Jones
Bill T. Jones is an American artistic director, choreographer and dancer.-Early life:Jones was born in Bunnell, Florida and his family moved North as part of the Great Migration in the first half of the twentieth century. They settled in Wayland, New York, where Jones attended Wayland High School...
(2005), Murray Louis
Murray Louis
Murray Louis is an American modern dancer and choreographer. He grew up in Manhattan, not far from Henry Street where his company was to be founded years later. At the same time, his sister took him to many of the early modern dance concerts. After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, Mr...
(2006), and Mark Morris
Mark Morris
Mark William Morris is an American dancer, choreographer and director whose work is acclaimed for its craftsmanship, ingenuity, humor, and at times eclectic musical accompaniments...
(2007).
His wife, Luise, dedicated her life to the dance of India, and donated her extensive collection of books and materials on the history of the dance of India to the Balasaraswati Performing Arts Centre. Luise Scripps was major supporters of the study and performance of the dance of India, where the Sam and Luise had once lived. In 1991, Luise Scripps established the Balasaraswati/Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke Chair for Distinguished Teaching, with additional support from Walter Beinecke, the daughters of Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke, and the ADF.
As a testament to the impact the Scripps had upon American dance, the American Dance Festival dedicated their season to Samuel H. Scripps and Luise Elcanness Scripps in 1999.
Scripps served on the boards of the Paul Taylor Dance Company
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Paul Taylor Dance Company, is a contemporary dance company, formed by Paul Taylor, an American choreographer of the 20th century. One of the early touring companies of American modern dance, the Company has "performed in more than 500 cities in 62 countries" and still spends more than half of each...
, the American Dance Festival, the Theatre for a New Audience, the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music
Brooklyn Academy of Music
Brooklyn Academy of Music is a major performing arts venue in Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, United States, known as a center for progressive and avant garde performance....
. Scripps also became one of the major contributors to the Globe Theatre Project in London, playing a major role in the establishment of the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London today.
In his obituary in the New York Times of February 17, 2007, it was noted:
- Mr. Scripps spent most of his life in the theater ... In the 1950s he served as assistant technical director at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego and the Berkeley Shakespeare Festival (which later became the California Shakespeare Festival). After moving to New York in 1980, he continued his career as lighting designer for the Riverside Shakespeare CompanyRiverside Shakespeare CompanyThe Riverside Shakespeare Company of New York City was founded in 1977 as a professional theatre company on the Upper West Side of New York City, by W. Stuart McDowell and Gloria Skurski...
. He has also worked as a photographer and film maker, working for both the San Diego ZooSan Diego ZooThe San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is one of the most progressive zoos in the world, with over 4,000 animals of more than 800 species...
and the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, which included a four month expedition to the Fugi Islands and Tahiti ... With his wife, Luise Scripps, he founded and ran the American Society for Eastern Arts, a not for profit organization dedicated to bringing classical performing artists from Asia to America to present performances and workshops. In 1981, he established the Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement in Choreography. The award is given annually and is administered by the Association for the American Dance Festival ... Mr. Scripps served on the Boards of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Theater for a New Audience, the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center and was a major contributor to the Globe Theater Project in London. Mr. Scripps' grandfather, Edward W. Scripps, founded United Press InternationalUnited Press InternationalUnited Press International is a once-major international news agency, whose newswires, photo, news film and audio services provided news material to thousands of newspapers, magazines and radio and television stations for most of the twentieth century...
(UPI) and the Scripps-HowardE. W. Scripps CompanyThe E. W. Scripps Company is an American media conglomerate founded by Edward W. Scripps on November 2, 1878. The company is headquartered inside the Scripps Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its corporate motto is "Give light and the people will find their own way."On October 16, 2007, the company...
newspaper chain, which at one time was the nation's largest. His father, Robert P. Scripps, was a reporter and correspondent, as well as editorial director of various Scripps-Howard and Scripps-McRae newspapers.
In August, 2007, the Theatre for a New Audience honored Samuel H. Scripps by presenting the Samuel H. Scripps Award for Extraordinary Commitment to Promoting the Power of Language in Classical and Contemporary Theatre to Miss Cicely Berry, OBE. Hon.D.Lit, and a member of Theatre for a New Audience’s Artistic Council. Sam's philanthropic work and his love for children — allowing them a safe place to explore modern dance, theater and puppetry — can also be seen in his donation to establish Cocoon Theatre in Rhinebeck, New York, where Scripps lived with his wife, Luise, during the last years of his life.
Samuel H. Scripps was an important member of the American arts community, contributing to the success of many in the area of theater and dance, through his talent, his passion, and his considerable generosity.