Skip to content

Obituaries

In Memoriam: Jim Read, FASTC Theater Consultant

James “Jim” Read, FASTC 1933 – 2022

The American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC) mourns the loss of longtime member and Fellow, James “Jim” Read, FASTC, who passed away on November 2, 2022. Read served as a President of the ASTC and was a constant presence at organization events. Even as he retired from consulting and moved to emeritus status, Read was often present online or in person, always contributing observations and information.Read More »In Memoriam: Jim Read, FASTC Theater Consultant

In Memoriam: The Industry Remembers Randy Mayer

Randy Mayer, longtime Director of Concert Touring for Screenworks/NEP, died Aug. 2, 2022 at age 48. Based in the Los Angeles area, Mayer joined Screenworks in Jan. 2010 after playing a key role expanding West Coast sales for High End Systems and related products. He is survived by his wife Jocelyn and two sons. Mayer also leaves behind many industry friends, some of whom shared their remembrances with PLSN.

Read More »

In Memoriam: Robert A. Lorelli, Theater Consultant, 82

Robert Lorelli

Robert A. Lorelli, founder and president of the theater consulting firm, Robert Lorelli Associates, which merged into Theater Design in 2019, passed away on July 23, 2022 in Westhampton Beach, NY, surrounded by family and friends after a brief battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.Read More »In Memoriam: Robert A. Lorelli, Theater Consultant, 82

In Memoriam: Eric Pearce, Innovator and Visionary, 72

It is with a heavy heart that PLSN has learned of the passing of industry visionary, Eric Pearce, owner of SGPS/ShowRig. He died on Sunday, July 24, 2022, he was 72. Details of his passing have not yet been released. He was a Parnelli Visionary Honoree in 2013 and will be greatly missed throughout the industry. We will have more on the life and career of Pearce at a later date.

Read More »In Memoriam: Eric Pearce, Innovator and Visionary, 72

In Memoriam: Director Peter Brook, 97

Peter Brook

Stage Directions has learned of the death of Director Peter Brook on July 2, 2022 at the age of 97, according to his publisher, Nick Hern Books in a statement they released on Twitter: All of us at NHB are very sad to hear of the death of legendary director Peter Brook, at the age of 97. We’re honoured to have been Peter’s publisher for the past twenty years, sharing his wisdom and insights with the world. He leaves behind an incredible artistic legacy. RIP.

We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends. Requiescat in Pace, Peter Brook.Read More »In Memoriam: Director Peter Brook, 97

In Memoriam: Television Scenic Designer Victor Paganuzzi, 90

PLSN has learned of the death of longtime television Scenic Designer Victor Paganuzzi, who died on June 16, 2022 at age 90. He was the designer of the distinctive set of CBS Sunday Morning and so many other CBS programs. Here’s a video from CBS that was broadcast on July 31, 2011 upon Paganuzzi’s retirement after nearly 50 years at CBS. Paganuzzi explains to Charles Osgood how the inspiration for the original CBS Sunday Morning set came from a baseball diamond.

Read More »In Memoriam: Television Scenic Designer Victor Paganuzzi, 90

In Memoriam: John Simpson, Founder of White Light, 79

John Simpson, 1942 – 2022

PLSN was saddened to learn of the death of White Light founder and former chairman, John Simpson. The company, which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary, announced his passing on June 11, 2022. He was 79. In addition to his work with White Light, Simpson was known for his charity work, acting as Chair of Backup: The Technical Entertainment Charity, which provides financial support to industry technical professionals in times of hardship. Over the last two years of the pandemic, he had been tireless in the support of the people in the industry who needed help – right up until a week before his untimely death. Here’s a remembrance by White Light of Simpson and his career. We send our sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends.Read More »In Memoriam: John Simpson, Founder of White Light, 79

In Memoriam | Douglas L. Pope, Live Event Production Manager, 79

PLSN has learned of the death of Live Event Production Manager, Douglas L. Pope on May 30, 2022 at the age of 79. Pope worked frequently with Patrick Stansfield, Imero Fiorentino, and others on a wide range of projects over his long career. Click below for a tribute written by John Purdy, a long-time friend of Pope’s where they worked together on many production events.

Read More »

In Memoriam: Martee Nuruddin, 68

PLSN learned of the passing of Martin “Martee” Nuruddin, Vice President of PRG Orlando on April 14th. Nuruddin, born on February 15, 1954, was 68. He was a 44-year member of IATSE Local One, having been initiated on February 2, 1978. He worked throughout the Broadway jurisdiction and started his career as an apprentice at Vanco in New York. He would move to Florida to open Vanco Orlando.Read More »In Memoriam: Martee Nuruddin, 68