DOROTHY OLIM RECEIVES THE 2009 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM THE LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

On Monday December 7th, Dorothy Olim will be presented with The 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from The League of Professional Theatre (LPTW) for her accomplishments in the Theater. The award ceremony will take place at the National Arts Club on Gramercy Square South.

Dorothy Olim has been a member of LPTW since 1985, was the recipient of the Lee Reynolds Award in 1996 and served on its board from 1991-1999.

A member of ATPAM (Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers) Dorothy has enjoyed a varied career, including the unique opportunity to be active in the world of both management and labor.

She produced off-Broadway (including THE FANTASTICKS as Associate Producer), owned and operated a theatrical general management firm which managed over 100 On and off-Broadway productions, owned and operated an advertising agency specializing in theatrical advertising, and managed several off-Broadway theatres. She was the first woman to be elected President of the League of Advertising Agencies, was Secretary/Treasurer of the League of off-Broadway Theatre Owners and Producers for over 15 years, operated a summer stock theatre, managed a music circus tent, toured the country fair circuit with a “medicine show”, lectured, directed, stage managed and acted.

In an unusual turn of career, she was the first woman to be elected Secretary/Treasurer (operating officer) of ATPAM (1987–1991), one of the major theatrical unions in New York City.

Dorothy holds a Masters of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University, was among the first women accepted to attend St. John’s College (the “Great Books” College) in Annapolis, Maryland, and attended the Juilliard School of Music and the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Drama.

With Harriet Slaughter, she originated BWAY (Better Wellness and You) the organization which provides an annual Health Fair with free flu shots to the entire entertainment industry.

Dorothy has been on the boards of many organizations, including the LPTW’s Lucille Lortel Award Committee for Emerging Women Artists of America, was a member of The American Theatre Wing’s Nominating Committee for the Tony Awards, served as member of the the Special Drama Department Advisory Committee To the President of Carnegie Mellon University, the Willard Swire Scholarship Committee created by The Actor’s Work Program of The Actor’s Fund of America and as board member of the Riverside Stage Company.

She currently continues to actively participate as a member of the advisory board on several others as Board or Committee member or Special Advisor, including Encompass New Opera Theatre and The Coalition of Women in the Arts and Media, Inc.

Dorothy’s special joy: to mentor to the coming generation of theatrical professionals.