Price Berkley, the founder of Theatrical Index, died this past Sunday night, August 21, 2011 at his home in Manhattan.
Price grew up in Philadelphia, PA with his father Harry, mother Selma, and sister Sydney. There he fell in love with theatre - after seeing his first show Flying Colors - and spent his allowance seeing every show he could, including the many out-of-town tryouts that came to Philadelphia before heading to Broadway.
Price served as cryptographer in the Air Force during World War II and was stationed in both Luxor and Rome. Following the war, Price moved to New York to study acting at The Dramatic Workshop. He worked as a hotel clerk and in advertising before taking a job with
Earl Blackwell at Celebrity Service. There, he had the idea to create a publication that would specifically and thoroughly serve the theatre business community.
Price published the first issue of the Theatrical Index on November 9, 1964, typing the first issues in his apartment and beginning with a base of 16 subscribers. The business quickly grew and his comprehensive guide to the "who, what, where and when of the American Theater" soon became an indispensable resource for virtually every theatre professional, earning the nickname of "The Bible" along the way. Price retired from the Index in 2007, but continued as a consultant until 2010. He said of the Index, "It was never my job, it's just an extension of my hobby. The theater is the best friend I ever had." The Theatrical Index continues today in his vision and as his legacy.
Over his years in the theatre community, Price assisted many charities and served on many committees. He was a longtime member of the Tony Awards nominating committee, and was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2003.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to The Actors Fund of America, 729 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York, 10019.
