Warren L. Enters

Salem-Warren Enters, theatre director and professor of performing arts, passed away October 25, 2017, after a short illness. Warren was born to Louis Rosenheim and Alfrieda Enters, on May 26, 1922, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While attending the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Warren enlisted in the navy, during WWII; he was sent to Dartmouth for midshipman school and Columbia University for officer training. At 22, Warren had command of a sub chaser and spent three years patrolling the northeast coast, off Boston and Maine; his last assignment was training the future Philippine navy. After the war, Warren pursued a career as a theatre director. With partners, Robert Merriman and Sybil Trubin, he created Proscenium Productions at the Cherry Lane Theatre, in New York City and earned the first Tony award given to an off-Broadway company. Warren directed on Broadway, off-Broadway and regionally all over the US and Canada. He directed many theatre, television and film stars including, Helen Hayes, Julie Harris, Alan Alda, Leonard Nimoy, Farley Granger, Larry Hagman, Shelly Winters, and many others.

In 1968, he was named Associate Director of the Studio Arena Theatre, in Buffalo, New York, where he directed thirty-two productions. At the same time, he was asked to join the theatre faculty of Buffalo State College, where he taught acting, directing and theatre history. Warren inspired students to, “Just do it!” He was proud of all of his students, particularly Tom Fontana, who wrote for “St. Elsewhere” and created “Homicide: Life on the Streets,” “OZ,” and “The Borgias.” His first student assistant director, Diane English, went on to write and produce many television series including, “Murphy Brown.” A major renovation to the Buffalo State theatre occurred in 2005; with major support from Tom, Diane and many others, the building was renamed, “The Warren Enters Theatre.” While continuing to direct and teach, Warren and his partner Bob Merriman, purchased a home in Salem, New York and spent many happy summers and weekends, working on the house and collecting antiques. Warren opened an antiques shop, Salem Antiques, in his barn, in order to avoid having to teach summer school in Buffalo. Warren retired to Salem, in 1992. Warren loved Salem and served on a committee to add an addition to Salem Central School, a project to enhance and maintain the integrity of the original building. He loved his home and gardens, and, until very recently, could be seen by friends and neighbors, out on his lawn tractor, one of his favorite summertime chores.

 Warren is survived by his partner, William Lennon; his niece Carol Sampson of Honolulu, Hawaii and nephew, John Rosenheim, of Clintonville, Wisconsin. He is also survived by many dear friends. Warren was a true gentleman and many were touched by his gentleness, wisdom and generosity of spirit; he will truly be missed.

There will be no calling hours or services.

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