resident repertory theaters that help set standards of quality in the field and for off-off Broadway groups that are leaders in experimental theater. The Foundation has also encouraged the development of playwrights, actors, directors, and administrators, and supported the extension of training resources to theater technicians, designers, and managers.

Grants reflecting these emphases this year included renewed support for San Francisco's American Conservatory Theatre (ACT). Besides being a leading resident repertory company performing classical and contemporary works, ACT conducts an important program of dramatic training. With a new two-year matching grant, Foundation assistance to ACT now totals $2.4 million, supplementing a somewhat greater sum from San Francisco contributors.

The Foundation also continued support for the La Mama Experimental Theater Club, the most active of the off-off Broadway workshops in disseminating new plays. Composed of seven performing troupes, La Mama has developed a workshop approach closely followed by young theater professionals as well as students, teachers, universities, colleges, and professional schools here and abroad. The new grant assures continuation of La Mama's activities over a two-year period, in conjunction with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts.

Renewed support for one year went to the Negro Ensemble Company and to the New Lafayette Theatre and Workshop, both in New York City. Part of the grant to the New Lafayette will be used for film production of one of the plays of Ed Bullins, the company's resident playwright.