Libraries and Media Services, Records. Robert Lewis Dinner, Files, 1991-1998

Finding Aid

Prepared by Barbara Bass, July 28, 2005
1 half-size record storage box, .5 cubic foot, 11th floor

Historical Note

The Robert Lewis Medal for Lifetime Achievement was established and organized by Alex Gildzen, former curator of Special Collections and Archives in 1991. Lewis donated his papers covering his teaching and acting career in off-broadway productions to the library in 1996. Mr. Lewis died in November 23, 1997 at the age of 88 from a heart attack. He was one of the co-founders of the Actors Studio and he played a major role in shaping talents of many leading modern actors.

A fund-raising dinner was held each year in the Student Center, and an exhibit featuring the work of the award recipient or highlighting theater-related collections was displayed in the Special Collections and Archives reading room. An advisory board made up of faculty and other people involved theater, acting or teaching, selected the recipient each year. The funds raised from each dinner were used for relevant collection purchases in Special Collections and Archives.

Scope and Content

The contents of this collection includes correspondence, programs and news clippings related to each Robert Lewis dinner from 1991-1998 when the dinners ceased being held.

Box 1

1. Robert Lewis Award, Robert Lewis, recipient: correspondence, program, clippings: 1991
2. Robert Lewis Award, Eric Bentley, recipient: correspondence, program: clippings 1992
3. Robert Lewis Award, Jan Kott, recipient: correspondence, program: clippings 1993
4. Robert Lewis Award, Helen Krich Chinoy, recipient: correspondence, program, clippings: 1994
5. Robert Lewis Award, John L. Styan, recipient: correspondence, program, clippings1995
6. Robert Lewis Award, Errol Gaston Hill, recipient: correspondence, program, clippings: 1996
7. Robert Lewis Award, Oscar G. Brockett, recipient: correspondence, program, clippings: 1997
8. Robert Lewis Award, Staughton Lynd, recipient: correspondence, program, clippings: 1998