WILLIAM COMO - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/30/1966 - HFSID 318500

WILLIAM COMO
Dance Magazine's Editor-in-Chief William Como sends a letter Theatre World Editor John Willis, offering him an ad in his next publication
Typed Letter signed: "Bill", 1 page, 8½x11. New York City, August 30, 1966. In full: "Dear John: Again, thanks for your letter of August 18th. As we discussed on the phone, I guess it is a good idea to list me as Adviser for Volume 1 of Dance World. It occurs to me that you may wish to consider a small advertisement in Dance Magazine, announcing the availability of this new book. Enclosed please find our advertising rate card. The lower, 12-time rate, shown on the card is also our special rate to book publishers. We are currently scheduling our October issue and advertising deadline is the first week in September. Due to the Holiday weekend, I can extend the deadline a day or two. However, I would appreciate hearing from you quickly in regards to space. We could design the ad for you immediately upon receipt of the actual copy and your space order. Of course, we would send you a proof for OK before publication. I look forward to hearing from you again soon. Warm regards. Sincerely,". William Como (1925-1989) was Dance Magazine's Editor-in-Chief from 1970 to 1988, during one of the most progressive periods for American dance. Beginning as the magazine's "gofer" in 1953, Como rose through the ranks of sales manager, advertisement manager and assistant to publisher before he earned the position of Editor in Chief in 1970. Como was responsible for popularizing the magazine (which was operating out of a small, midtown NYC office), making it the nation's source for everything happening in the dance world. He also introduced Dance Magazine's separate monthly Portfolio, which highlights the most principal dance stars in the world. Considered monographs, these special edition portfolios are still used for research today. Como is also the author of many books, including Margot Fonteyn (1973), The Essence of Bejart (1972) and Nureyev (1973). 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. Normal mailing folds. Toned. Fine condition.