DOROTHY SWERDLOVE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/08/1985 - HFSID 307150

DOROTHY SWERDLOVE
The President of the American Theater Library Association writes to editor John Willis, thanking him for including her as a guest at the 1985 Theatre World Awards Party.
Autograph Letter signed: "Dorothy", 1 page, 9x6 card unfolded, 4½x6 folded. No place, 1985 June 8. Written to "Dear John [Willis]" in full: "The Theatre World Party was undoubtedly the smash hit of the 1984-85 season as, indeed, it is every year. You are really terrific at spotting the new young stars as well as not letting the ones from past years be forgotten. Many, many thanks for including me in the party. Best regards,". Dorothy Swerdlove (1928-2012) was born in New York City, New York. A graduate of Swarthmore College and Columbia University, she enjoyed a long career with the New York Public Library, serving as Curator of the Billy Rose Theater Collection, President of the American Theater Library Association and Vice President of the International Theater Library Association. Theatre World, founded in 1945 by Daniel Blum, is America's oldest annual record of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre, referenced by industry professionals, historians, students and theatre fans worldwide. Until 1998, when a separate nonprofit corporation was established, Theatre World's editorial staff bestowed the prestigious Theatre World Awards for outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway debuts. Screen World (from 1950) and Dance World (from 1966), administered from the same office, furnished comprehensive information on those entertainment genres. John A. Willis (1916-2010), active in Theatre World from the beginning, became its chief editor in 1965, holding that position until 2008. Willis is regarded as one of the foremost theatre and film historians of the 20th century. While producing (and presenting) the annual Theatre World Awards, Willis also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. Theatre World, which received its own Tony for Excellence in Theatre in 2001, continues under chief editor Ben Hodges. Lightly toned. Fine condition.