Samuel Henrick Scripps (October 30, 1927 – February 16, 2007) 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.
"[3] 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.
[4] The recipients of this prestigious award include 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 José 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),[5] Bill T. Jones (2005), Murray Louis (2006), and Mark Morris (2007).
He has also worked as a photographer and film maker, working for both the San Diego Zoo and the Scripps Institution 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.
[12] 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.
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.