Fichandler, Zelda (1924–)
Fichandler, Zelda (1924–)
American theatrical producer and director. Born Zelda Diamond, Sept 18, 1924, in Boston, Massachusetts; dau. of Harry (scientist and inventor) and Ida (Epstein) Diamond; Cornell University, BA, 1945; George Washington University, MA in dramatic arts, 1950; m. Thomas C. Fichandler (executive director of Arena Stage), Feb 17, 1946; children: 2 sons.
Producer and director who co-founded the Arena Stage in Washington, DC, helping to spawn the nationwide movement that revolutionized theater and cultural life in America; co-founded the Arena Stage (1950) and served as producing director (1952–94); received grant from the Rockefeller Foundation to create a training program for her acting company (1965); involved with founding of Theater Communications Group (TCG, 1961); served as delegate to International Theater Institute Conference in Moscow (1974); served as visiting professor at University of Texas in Austin and Boston University (1970s); assumed position of artistic director of Graduate Acting Program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts (1984–); was artistic director of the Acting Company (1991–94); directed over 50 plays during her tenure at Arena Stage, including US premiere of Christie's The Mousetrap (1955), Lawrence and Lee's Inherit the Wind, which toured to Moscow and Leningrad (1973), and US premiere of The Ascent of Mount Fuji (1975). Received Helen Hayes Award for best direction of The Crucible (1988).
See also Women in World History.