In Memory: Stephen R. Lawson, Age 73

Stephen R. Lawson, 73, died on February 7, 2023, of natural causes at his home in Williamstown.

Steve was born in Rye, NY, and graduated from Rye High School in 1967.

He graduated from Williams College in 1971 with a BA in English, and from Yale University School of Drama in 1976 with an MFA in Drama. At Williams, he was an active participant in Cap & Bells, receiving the Gilbert Gabriel award, and began his long association with the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He was part of the Theatre Festival for over 50 years, as an actor, writer, dramaturg, and director. He was a founder of the Free Theatre and was instrumental in setting up and being a member of the late-night Cabaret for many years.

A prolific student of film, he founded and ran the Williamstown Film Festival for 15 years. He took great joy in bringing independent films and documentaries to the Berkshires, along with their actors, writers, and directors.

His writing talents were evident. He wrote for television, including St. Elsewhere and The Dick Cavett Show, nationally for publications as diverse as the New York Times, Travel and Leisure and Saturday Review, and more locally for the Williams Alumni Review. He held an early position with Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City, before settling in Williamstown full-time.

He is survived by his brother Jon and sister-in-law Nicole of Rhinebeck, NY.