Crawford, Cheryl, 1902-1986

Producer/director Cheryl Crawford (1902-1986) was a founding member of the Group Theatre in 1931, and of the Actors Studio in 1947.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Crawford became involved with the Theatre Guild in the 1920s, first as secretary, later as actress and stage manager, and ultimately as casting director. With Lee Strasberg she co-directed the Group Theatre's first production, THE HOUSE OF CONNELLY, in 1931, and went on to direct and/or produce many plays in the decades which followed, on Broadway and off, including ONE TOUCH OF VENUS, the 1942 revival of PORGY AND BESS, BRIGADOON, FLAHOOLEY, and SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH. Cheryl Crawford co-founded the Actors Studio with Lee Strasberg, Elia Kazan, and Robert Lewis, and remained with that organization until her death.

...