Former Missouri Rep director George Keathley passed away Sunday
George Keathley, a former artistic director of the theater company now known as Kansas City Repertory Theatre, died Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 85.
more at kansascity.com
I was priviledged to know him at UMKC/MoRep. He was a kind and generous man who wasn't afraid to ask questions, even to a lowly graduate student. After giving him directions that got him right into the parking lot of the Folly Theatre for a benefit, I became his go to person for directions after that. (Yes, that was way before GPS.) That may not seem much to others, but to have someone in his position seek me out for help, meant a lot to me at that period of time. George was always cognizant of his role to bridge the professional theatre and the university, giving us grad students support and opportunity whenever possible. He helped me decide that it was ok to leave KC, if even for a while, (now it has been 24 years) when offered a job to teach at a big university. I will always remember that he took the time out of his busy day to talk and counsel with me. We were all worried about how could anyone replace Dr. Mac when she decided to step aside. But, George was a perfect person to step into those formidable shoes. He continued the legacy of kindness and compassion.
I was priviledged to know him at UMKC/MoRep. He was a kind and generous man who wasn't afraid to ask questions, even to a lowly graduate student. After giving him directions that got him right into the parking lot of the Folly Theatre for a benefit, I became his go to person for directions after that. (Yes, that was way before GPS.) That may not seem much to others, but to have someone in his position seek me out for help, meant a lot to me at that period of time. George was always cognizant of his role to bridge the professional theatre and the university, giving us grad students support and opportunity whenever possible. He helped me decide that it was ok to leave KC, if even for a while, (now it has been 24 years) when offered a job to teach at a big university. I will always remember that he took the time out of his busy day to talk and counsel with me. We were all worried about how could anyone replace Dr. Mac when she decided to step aside. But, George was a perfect person to step into those formidable shoes. He continued the legacy of kindness and compassion.
ReplyDelete