Robert C. Schnitzer

SCHNITZER--Robert C., former actor, producer, educator and theater administrator died January 2 in Stamford, Connecticut at the age of 101. Born in New York City, he was educated at the Horace Mann School and Columbia University. He was Chairman of the Westport Arts Center upon its inception. He began his career with the Walter Hampden Company at Hampden's Theatre on Broadway. In 1935, he joined the WPA Federal Theatre Program and became Assistant to National Director Hallie Flanagan. Mr. Schnitzer volunteered with the International Red Cross during World War II and served in China. He was General Manager for Broadway producers Lawrence Langner, Cheryl Crawford, Gilbert Miller and Guthrie McClintic, for Martha Graham and for the New School's Theatre Division. In 1954 Mr. Schnitzer established the American National Theater Academy -State Department International Cultural Exchange Program. In 1961 he was invited by the President of the University of Michigan to establish a professional theatre program which became a major regional theatre center. Professor Schnitzer also served on the Smith, Vassar College and Columbia University drama faculties. He was a member of Actors Equity, ATPAM, the National Theatre Conference, International Theatre Institute, the Players Club and the Century Association. He was married to producer/director Marcella Cisney until her death in 1989. He resided in Weston, CT and most recently at the Edgehill Retirement Community in Stamford. Contributions in lieu of flowers to The Actors Fund of America, 729 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019 or The Westport Arts Center, 51 Riverside Avenue, Westport, Connecticut 06880. A memorial gathering will take place at a date to be announced. Services by Harding Funeral Home, Westport, CT.