who was passionate about her work. She ran grueling rehearsals and kept control over the direction, even on productions she was not directing. However, she was willing to help actors if they were struggling, and was respected for her passion and drive. Reception and legacy Bonstelle had a wide reputation; according to Brooks Atkinson: her "industry in the theater [was] famous throughout Eastern America". However, Broadway critics did not rate her directing highly. In Detroit, though, drama critics praised her greatly, and few of her 165 plays were poorly reviewed; however most of these critics were in fact either friends of Bonstelle or employees of Stair. Bonstelle's Playhouse was one of America's first civic theaters, and, uniquely in the 1920s, a profitable one. Though it closed in 1933, a year after her death, due to the rise of the movie industry and the Depression, it was purchased by Wayne State University in 1956 for the use of its theater department. In 1963 it was renamed the Bonstelle Theatre in her memory. Bonstelle's approach gained nationwide attention and she was interviewed by authorities from other cities which wanted information about her plan. Her theater influenced the future Federal Theatre Project. She was well known for spotting talent in young actors, and was skilled at developing that talent. She trained many actors and actresses who later became well known, including Katharine Cornell and William Powell. References External links 1871 births 1932 deaths Actresses from New York (state) American stage actresses American theatre directors Deaths from cancer in Michigan People from Greece, New York 19th-century American actresses 20th-century American actresses Women theatre directors American theatre managers and producers