The National Theatre of Washington DC - Annie Oakley Ticket Fund

The National Theatre is a 501.c.3.not-for-profit organization

THE ANNIE OAKLEY TICKET FUND

Established in 1984, the Annie Oakley Fund enables the National to invite groups of disadvantaged children, students, and adults to see our major attractions as guests of the Theatre. In the old days, complimentary tickets were "punched" with a hole like those which Phoebe Annie Oakley, the famed sharp-shooter, could shoot in a card tossed into the air. Thus the Fund's name, which was suggested by then trustee, Tony Hope, Bob's son.

However, Annie - born Phoebe Anne Oakley Mozee (1869-1926) - was also known for buying blocks of tickets which were then distributed so that orphans could have free admission to the shows she was in. Miss Oakley had a long career appearing with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, and in circuses. Subsequently she had her own touring stage show which she may have brought to the National Theatre stage. The Fund was established with proceeds from a gala benefit held to celebrate a major renovation of the National Theatre Building which was completed at the end of 1983. Annie Oakley tickets are distributed through 501.c.3 not-for-profit charitable organizations.

The smiles and applause of our ticket recipients, and their letters of thanks, are testimony to the program's value. It seems almost certain that very few, if any, of our clients for this program have had the opportunity to see a Broadway-level show before, and that few of them will be able to see one again soon, so it is a very special treat and opportunity. We think Annie would be pleased.