Robert Lewis, Director

In 1991 Robert Lewis visited Indiana University, where he delivered two public lectures. The first was entitled Changing Styles in American Acting and the second was called Rapping with Bobby. Both lectures were sponsored by the Ralph L. Collins Memorial Lecture Fund.

Robert Lewis was a leader in American theatre for over fifty years as a teacher, director, actor, and founding member of the Actors Studio.

From 1931-41 he was a member of the legendary Group Theatre, where he participated as actor, stage manager, director, and teacher. He directed the Groups landmark production of My Hearts in the Highlands.

In 1947 Mr. Lewis co-founded the Actors Studio with Elia Kazan and Cheryl Crawford. Famous for its instructions of the Stanislavsi Method, the Actors Studio has trained such legends as James Dean, Marlon Brando, Julie Harris, Montgomery Clift, and Jerome Robbins.

He directed such Broadway productions as Brigadoon, Tea House of the August Moon, Witness for the Prosecution, and The Sea Gull, as well as the film version of Anything Goes. He also acted on Broadway and in films such as Chaplins Monsieur Verdoux. He is the author of Method-or Madness, Advice to the Players, and his autobiography Slings and Arrows.