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Helen Marie Guditis:
Founder and President of “The
Theatre Museum” dies of Cancer
Helen Marie Guditis,
Founder and President of “The Theatre Museum” , died of
cancer, in her sleep. She valiantly fought for 4 years but
succumbed to the disease on December 3, 2012. She was with
family members, who said that she sang broadway show tunes
until her last breath. Stewart F. Lane, chairman of The
Theatre Museum called Helen's dedication to theater
inspiring and stated, "Helen will be deeply missed by the
theater community."
In 2003 Guditis
founded the “Broadway Theatre Institute”, the name was
changed to “The Theatre Museum” in 2007. The Museum has
successfully functioned with partnerships and associations
in greater New York and throughout country. The Theatre
Museum has provided exhibitions, educational, and public
programs to bring together scholars, architects, historians,
and actors to chronicle the national theatre.
The Theatre Museum
Awards are presented each spring and are a highlight of the
New York theatre season. Guditis was instrumental in
securing talent, presenters and funding for the prestigious
awards. Some of the recipients that received honors from
Helen and the Theatre Museum Board include: Sheldon Harnick,
Ellen Burstyn, Carmen De Lavallade, Bonnie Comley, Michael
Kantor, Louis Botto, and the organizations: The Theatre
Development Fund, The Drama League, Frank Sinatra High
School and Arts Horizons among others.
Born in Chicago,
Illinois to Albert and Helen Guditis, she graduated from
Marquette University, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts,
and received a Master of Fine Arts from Northwestern
University. After directing and appearing in several plays
at “The Theatre on the Lake” in Chicago, she moved to New
York City in 1972, to begin a successful career in Broadway
and off-Broadway productions. In the 1980’s she taught
speech and drama in the New York Public Schools before
dedicating her life to theater education and preservation.
Helen Marie Guidtis
is survived by her brother Albert John Guditis, nephew Jay
Matthew Guditis, his wife Mary and grand nephews Nathaniel
and Nicholas.
In lieu of
flowers, please send tax deductible contributions to:
The Theatre Museum, 40 Worth Street, Suite 824, New
York, New York 10013. Website:
thetheatremuseum.org.
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