About Martha Atwell
Martha Atwell (born Martha Nivin Atwell, September 12, 1900 – December 28, 1949) was an American radio director, known for her association with Frank and Anne Hummert. == Early life and career == Atwell was born in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, one of at least four children born to James R. Atwell and Bertha Nivin. After graduating from Bellevue High School, Atwell attended first Mt. Holyoke College and then the New England Conservatory of Music, where she became a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women. Graduating in 1922, she was awarded a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music. While at Eastman, Atwell portrayed the title character in an ambitious production of Maeterlink's Sister Beatrice, a Play in Three Acts, staged by then-faculty member Rouben Mamoulian. It was Mamoulian who suggested that Atwell switch her focus from music to drama. Taking his advice to heart, she soon became Mamoulian's assistant, and subsequently the scenarist of the Eastman Theater. With the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, Atwell moved to New York, where she was signed as a director by the World Broadcasting System. Atwell directed episodes of a number of popular radio serials.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.