In Memoriam: Stephen Gerald

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May 21, 2015

Stephen Gerald, globalist theatre practitioner and scholar, passed away May 20, 2015 in Austin, Texas, at the age of 65. He joined the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance in 1986, where he served as associate professor of acting until his death.

Gerald’s influence as an educator spanned from the university across the globe, as he taught, directed and performed nationally and internationally. He was an invited guest speaker/artist at 5th Theatre Olympics In Seoul (Korea); Nihon University in Tokyo (Japan); the Pan African Historical Theatre Festival in Cape Coast (Ghana) and The University of Ghana in Legon. In recent years he took Department of Theatre and Dance students abroad to collaborate with the theatre department at Chung Ang University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. He also served as director for off-campus initiatives for the university’s College of Fine Arts.

“When I visit with alumni across the country, it is absolutely clear what an impact Stephen has had on the lives and careers of countless students,” says Dr. Brant Pope, Department of Theatre and Department chair. “He was coveted as a teacher, a mentor and a role model, “ continues Pope, “and the love for him and the great appreciation for his devotion to his students is his enduring legacy.”

Gerald’s credits as an actor, director and writer included Double Image Theatre Lab, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Company, The American Place Theatre, Provincetown Playhouse, Villager Theatre, Austin’s ProArts Collective and the Black and Latino Playwrights Festival as well as independent and commercial films and television.

He received the Presidential Medal from Nihon University and a special award from the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Ghana for teaching and directing. Gerald was the recipient of the National Endowment for the Humanities award to study at Yale University and the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. At The University of Texas at Austin, he received the John D. Murchison Fellowship in Fine Arts and the Grace Hill Milam Centennial Fellowship in Fine Arts.

Donations may be made in Stephen Gerald's memory to:

Austin Jewish Academy
7300 Hart Lane
Austin, Texas 78731
Phone: 512-735-8350

There will be no funeral service.

A memorial service celebrating Stephen Gerald's life will be held December 11, 2015 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre on The University of Texas at Austin campus. All are welcome to attend. 

Please RSVP by December 2, 2015 to rsvptad@austin.utexas.edu

We welcome your photographs, videos and stories of your time with
Professor Gerald at www.utexas.edu/finearts/tad/gerald