In Memoriam: Harry Teter, Jr

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Harry Teter, Jr. Harry was born on December 24, 1940, and was 85 years old. He came into membership in 1983. While I knew Harry from my touring days and was so happy to see him on recent visits to Washington, I asked his longtime colleague and friend, DC Steward Guy Jordin Heard to share his thoughts on Harry’s life and work. He was a friend to all of us who performed at the National Theatre. May his memory be a blessing.

We lost a truly amazing man this past Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Harry Teter, Jr.

Harry’s legacy at the National Theatre is unmatched. He joined the board in the late 70s and served as President from '81 to '82. It was Harry who pivoted the National’s booking away from the Kennedy Center and asked the Shuberts to join. He became an ATPAM member and the General Manager in 1983, a role he held until 2013 alongside ATPAM managers: Rick Schneider, Carol Hayes.

A few things we’ll never forget about Harry: the impeccable tailoring, that striking silver hair, and his post at the bottom of the inner lobby stairs, where he greeted every guest like an old friend. I was lucky to be hired by Harry in 2006 and spent seven years as his Theater Manager. It was a rare gift that the Shuberts supported two ATPAM contracts at the time, but it was an even greater gift to work alongside such a legend.

He represented a "golden era" of community. In the days before digital everything, Harry was at every in-person Box Office statement signing. Those ten minutes where House Management, Company Management, and the Box Office actually talked and connected were special, at least to me and I know those of you who experienced it with Harry looked forward to it as well. Harry knew all of his staff from Housekeeping, Box Office, Ushers and the crew.

Beyond the theater, Harry poured his heart into his role as Executive Director of the American Trauma Society. I’ll never forget how he bridged his two worlds: back in the days of 'papering' the house, Harry would arrange for buses to bring veterans from Walter Reed to the National. He was determined that those living with trauma and disabilities had an escape to the arts, making the theater a place of healing and welcome for everyone.

Harry has a plaque placed at the bottom of the stairs of which he was celebrated by the National Theatre Foundation January 2023, with text written by his dear friend, playwright, Ken Ludwig.

Harry was a giant in our community, and he will be deeply missed.