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Obituaries

In Memoriam: Richard “Dick” Wolpert, 97

Richard “Dick” Wolpert

Richard “Dick” Wolpert passed away peacefully August 20, 2023 at the age of 97. Dick was one of the last of the “old guard” members of the theatrical lighting industry. He was the heart and soul of Union Connector, growing it from a loft in Hell’s Kitchen to a 20,000 square foot factory on Long Island. His honesty and integrity were well known and acknowledged by customers and competitors, alike. Several became close friends. He could sell snow to Eskimos, but everything was always “above board” as he often said. His word was his bond. Read More »In Memoriam: Richard “Dick” Wolpert, 97

In Memoriam: Sarah Lynn Jakubasz, 42

Sarah Lynn Jakubasz, Lighting Director for ABC’s Good Morning America and GMA3: What You Need to Know, died July 22 of complications related to a Glioblastoma. Good Morning America aired a remembrance of Jakubasz five days later, on what would have been her 43rd birthday. During the segment, the show’s hosts paid tribute to Jakubasz, who joined the show in 2018.Read More »In Memoriam: Sarah Lynn Jakubasz, 42

In Memoriam: Chris McGregor, Production Designer & Creative Visionary, 61

Chris McGregor

Production Designer and President of San Francisco-based Stage II Productions, Chris McGregor died of a heart attack on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 61. McGregor is widely known for his creative work for Phish and The Residents as well as lighting and production design for numerous events. His passing was initially confirmed by The Residents, who he had worked with since 1989. McGregor earned a BFA degree from the California Institute of the Arts in 1984.Read More »In Memoriam: Chris McGregor, Production Designer & Creative Visionary, 61

In Memoriam: Shawn McKeown, 1972-2023

Educator and production professional Shawn McKeown passed away May 28, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 50. At the time of his death, he was employed by Full Sail University as Program Manager – Show Production. McKeown worked for Full Sail for more than 20 years holding a variety of teaching positions, including Department Chair, and Course Director.

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Broadway Theaters Dimmed Lights in Memory of Award-Winning Scenic Designer Robin Wagner

The Broadway community honored the memory of Robin Wagner, the triple Tony Award®-winning scenic designer who worked on more than 60 Broadway shows in a career that spanned over five decades. Mr. Wagner passed away on May 29, 2023, at the age of 89. On June 17, 2023, the Committee of Theatre Owners dimmed the lights of Broadway theatres in New York for one minute at exactly 7:45pm, in his honor.Read More »Broadway Theaters Dimmed Lights in Memory of Award-Winning Scenic Designer Robin Wagner

In Memoriam: Ken “Junior” Burns, Upstaging Crew Chief, 48

Kenneth Joseph Burns Jr. of Sycamore IL passed away on April 25, 2023 at the age of 48, at Loyola University Medical Center. He was born on August 8, 1974, in Edison, NJ. Ken, or as everyone in the industry called him, Junior, worked at Upstaging, Inc. for 32 years. He traveled the world as crew chief for Upstaging supporting many well-known artists and events. He was known for his professionalism, dedication, leadership, kindness, and ever-present smile. His calm demeanor allowed him to become a mentor to many new Upstaging crew members over the years.Read More »In Memoriam: Ken “Junior” Burns, Upstaging Crew Chief, 48

In Memoriam: Ron Smith, Pyrotechnics and Atmospheric Effects Expert, 66

Ron Smith, 1957-2023

Ron Smith, a pyrotechnics and atmospheric effects expert with decades of experience who had been working with Strictly FX in recent years, died earlier this month at age 66. “Ron was a kind-hearted and jovial member of the Strictly FX family,” noted Strictly FX in an April 13 post on social media. The company, which won a Parnelli Award at the 21st annual ceremony a day later, accepted the award in Smith’s honor. “He joined our team in 2018, bringing with him a storied career.”Read More »In Memoriam: Ron Smith, Pyrotechnics and Atmospheric Effects Expert, 66