Out & About

By sales tips

December 21, 2010 5:13 AM | Link to this

thank you so much.

By Amelia Barrett

December 1, 2010 11:44 AM | Link to this

How lucky I feel to have met him! Dr. Brockett influenced my perception of theatre and of teaching from the first day that I sat in his class. He offered so many of us a glimpse at what a life of passion and a commitment to real teaching and learning can bring.

Thank you for reminding me of how special it was to be his student, of why I love the theatre and theatre people, and how he will live forever - not only through his scholarly works but because he touched so many.

By Amparo Garcia-Crow

December 1, 2010 7:07 AM | Link to this

Dr. Brockett used to tease me and say--"You and I have been here the longest haven't we?" meaning, three decades at the University of Texas. His days were for the most part, consecutive (except when he left for USC for a bit) while mine were a once in a decade stop over, for three different degrees and then a short stay at the University as a professor, where we often liked sitting together at the faculty meetings. He chaired my Master Thesis committee for the second degree and forgave me for the non-scholarly treatment of what he knew was truer for me, a poetic treatise of Robert Wilson using Jungian ideas. He allowed me, encouraged me to be exactly who I was, an actor dabbling, discovering my innate directing abilities and later when I was born a writer, he took the time to acquaint himself with the work, placing it within a historical context to bring light to yet another new generation of theater scholars, artisans and advocates. His responses to my performances were always fresh and insightful with a sense of pride throughout like he was watching his own daughter on the stage. The short list of exotic, foreign plays he gave me to direct, have remained my most favorite artistic creations in that realm. Most recently, it was his "I knew you could do it!" pat on the back for the plays I'm now writing. And because he was one of the few individuals who had actually been there receiving, watching and applauding my efforts since I was 18 years old (I'm now 52)--his passing is like losing a family member, if not my academic and artistic parent. Thank you Dr. B for your caring, brilliance and loving friendship which continues to enlighten my every theatrical adventure!

By craven mackie

November 13, 2010 7:17 PM | Link to this

Dr. Brockett continues to be my friend and mentor. He represents the very best in the American university system.

By Suzanne Hassler

November 10, 2010 10:04 PM | Link to this

I'm stunned and saddened to have just learned this news. Dr. Brockett was without a doubt the most influential teacher I ever had. My first class with him in graduate school was like throwing opening a window in my mind and letting in a whole new, much more flexible way of thinking about the world, where there were no longer rigid black and white answers to questions. Any opinion was acceptable as long it was defensible. He expected his students never to cease to challenge their own opinions and likewise never ceased to do the same himself. I feel suddenly at a loss. (I didn't get to tell him that I won an NEA fellowship this fall.) He was such a parent to us all. If a memorial is organized, please let us know. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of Dr. Brockett's former students could come together in Austin for a day?

By Felicia Londré

November 9, 2010 1:58 PM | Link to this

I have so many fond memories of Brock over the decades from my first AETA (later ATA, later ATHE) in the 1960s. Among the many things I loved about him were his unfailing kindness and his generosity of spirit toward all points of view.

By Susan Tsu

November 9, 2010 7:30 AM | Link to this

One of the true privileges of teaching at UT was to be on the faculty with Dr. Brockett. I have always wanted to be like him when I grow up. A man who has had every reason to be jaded or cynical has chosen, instead, to see the wonder in the world and to twinkle and give the wry insightful remark. His eyes smiling, his style and grace-- his wisdom and guidance--these qualities are still very much alive for me. He has touched so many of us deeply and personally. Brock carries on in each of his students and colleagues and we each hold his heart in our own hearts.

By Michael Powers

November 9, 2010 1:59 AM | Link to this

He will be missed indeed. Long before he was at UT he taught at Indiana U. He was my mentor, my teacher, my friend. I used his books as texts when I taught, I used his teaching methods as a template for my teaching. Until I met him, I thought I hated writing. He taught me that I love it, I just had to write about things I like. ‘Do what interests you, and do it very, very well.’ My first paper for him was supposed to be ten pages. I groaned in side thinking it would be a chore. Then came the surprise. He had gone through the records of every student in the class and figured out just what rang their bell. Each assignment was personalized to that student. Mine was to write about the technological development of the carbon arc light during the nineteenth century. I was fascinated. Suddenly I discovered my real chore was not writing ten pages but rather trying to cut 80+ pages down to just ten.

He taught me so much more. He taught me to care, to really care, for those I worked with, for those I taught, for those I would meet along the way. I was addicted to this life and the world of theatre and the entertainment industry long before I met him, but I'm not sure I really loved it until he showed me the rewards of caring more for the art and the people in it than for my personal part of the puzzle. He didn't teach this by any effort or design, just by example.

This is the hardest thing I've written in a long time. There must be something wrong with my monitor and keyboard. The words keep getting blurry and misspelled. I think I'm coming down with something, my nose is runny and my chest and throat keep choking up. Damn it Oscar, after 43 years you still make me care.

Thank you Oscar, thank you for teaching me the lessons of life.

By Dr. Yaffa Weisman

November 8, 2010 5:35 PM | Link to this

His book, The History of Theatre, inspired my choice of majoring in history & criticism of theatre as an undergraduate at Tel Aviv University. I came to the University of Southern California to do my graduate work with him. Funny, warm and curious, we used to commiserate as two outsiders @ USC. I wrote my best research paper in his class. May his memory be of a blessing as his life was.

By Dr. Tommie H. Stewart

November 8, 2010 4:11 PM | Link to this

We have lost the BIBLE maker of Theatre History. How GREAT to have studied under him. Oscar Brockett will never be forgotten!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Tommie "Tonea" Stewart.

By Gary Austin

November 8, 2010 3:39 PM | Link to this

I wish I had known him.

By Kevin Hodges

November 8, 2010 3:20 PM | Link to this

After studying his texts for years, I was proud to use Brockett's 9th Edition for the inaugural theater history class at Chester College of New England. In addition to being an eminent scholar and lover of theater, Brock was an extremely kind and thoughtful man. I will miss him and his contributions to the field dearly.

By T. J. Walsh

November 8, 2010 2:07 PM | Link to this

Like those who've written, my professional life exists because of Dr. Brockett, and I could never possibly pay him back for all his advice and kindness over many years. But in reading all the notes, this is sort of a pay it forward business we are in, this teaching business, and we are all paying forward to others that kindness and truth that Dr. Brockett gave to us.

By Steve Bacher

November 8, 2010 12:28 PM | Link to this

He was a sweet, generous, wise man with a great (dry) sense of humor.

I'm sitting here all teary reading what my old friends have written. I often quote his dictum from our contemporary theater seminar, "Change or die." He believed that theater must always be reinventing itself.

I was honored that he agreed to serve on the founding Board of Directors of Vortex Repertory Company, which meant so much to all of us, and is an example of his generous spirit.

As others have written, he came to see everything, including student work. One of my fondest memories is of seeing him in Michael's house after a performance there of Lurana's production of "Fefu and her Friends." I think it was his birthday.

By James Loehlin

November 8, 2010 11:56 AM | Link to this

Dr. Brockett was not only our greatest theatre historian, he was a very kind and generous man. His memory will be cherished by the thousands of people who knew him and his work.

By Gilbert Bloom

November 8, 2010 11:49 AM | Link to this

My history with Dr. Brockett pre-dates his "History of the Theatre". He taught the first graduate class I attended at Iowa in the 1950's. His knowledge and scholarship were daunting even in those years. And he was both challenging and encouraging as a professor and a person.

As I look back over nearly 50 years of collegiate teaching, I am suddenly struck with the idea that he served as an unwitting model for my approach to teaching and my interaction with students. I only hope I carried on well his academic and personal legacy. And I am sure that there are a myriad of us in theatre, educational and otherwise, who share that hope.

As a scholar and a gentleman, Oscar Brockett will be sorely missed.

By J. Richard Smith

November 8, 2010 11:36 AM | Link to this

He was a giant! The greatest. Gentle, kind, acerbic, tough, and insightful beyond words. Someone mentioned that he didn't use notes. True. He only occasionally brought in a piece of paper with a few random dates or outline of what he wanted to do that particular day. I took as many classes as I could while a grad student (returning twelve years after my undergraduate degree.)

I look at all the people he touched, friends and colleagues alike. I am honored to be a part of such a large family.

By James Fisher

November 8, 2010 11:17 AM | Link to this

Dr. Brockett's accomplishments were many -- but what he did for the study of theatre history will almost certainly never be equalled. I remember hosting his visit to Wabash College in the 1980s -- he was a charming man, excellent lecturer, and a fascinating person to talk to one-on-one. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to know him a little -- and, more so, to learn from his work. His work, so devoid of academic posturing and overemphasis on literary theory, etc., is valuable as a model and enduring as theatre history of the first rank.

By Emily Leuba Jones

November 8, 2010 11:15 AM | Link to this

Like so many here, I moved to Austin specifically for the opportunity to study with Dr. Brockett. In a competitive, stressful, "publish-or-perish" environment he never lost site of the importance of passion and integrity. His strong sense of elegance and honor will always stay with me. Everyone here has written such beautiful eloquent tributes to his contribution to scholarship, teaching and professionalism but there was a particular instance in the classroom, the only time I ever saw him lose his gentle composure, that I remember the most. I studied with him during the time of the OJ Simpson trial. Someone referenced the trial in class and Brock actually went on a brief rant. The essence of the diatribe was, "Where is the sense of history? Of culture? Of humanity? Nuremberg was the trial of the century! Nuremberg brought up issues still being discussed today! What is wrong with this society? “Consistent with his teaching across multiple subjects through decades, he always reminded us to look at the big picture, the cultural relevance surrounding a moment and the historical significance of the arts in politics and in society. My "big picture" view of the world has been greatly enriched for having known Brock.

By J. Richard Smith

November 8, 2010 11:13 AM | Link to this

He was a giant, Upon coming back to UT to receive my MFA after a 12 year gap, his classes were mandatory once I discovered that he wasn't really retired but "retired." I took nearly a handful of his classes soaking up literally every story, every anecdote, every witticism that he offered. His casual, quiet conversations in his office were cherished moments. His last edition of History of Theatre, signed by him during my grad school years, will now go from my campus office back to my home office to stay safe and secure as one of my most cherished mementos. His words, his wisdom inform my teaching, infuse my passion for all things related to theatre history and serve as the cornerstone for all the work that I have done since my undergraduate years at UT through all my freelance work into the grad school years back at UT and now beyond.

I look at all the friends and colleagues who have been touched and shaped by this great man. I am honored to be a part of such a fine group of artists and scholars far and wide. Thank you, Brock.

By Judy Sebesta

November 8, 2010 9:10 AM | Link to this

I went to UT partly because I was a Texas resident and would have been crazy not to, since it was the top theatre history program in the country at the time. I was lucky to get accepted, and even luckier to study with Dr. Brockett, who was not only a model historian and scholar, but a stellar human. He taught me about exacting standards in scholarship but so much more: tolerance and acceptance, the importance of lifelong learning, passion for our subject, and compassion for our students. I will miss him so much.

By Laura Roth Stafford

November 8, 2010 8:24 AM | Link to this

He was such a wise mentor on my disertation panel. I pass on his words to other grad students, "find your best time to write and stick to it. If you set your goal for 3-4 hours per day or 3-4 pages, do it before anything else will distract you." I still live by that today. I was in his seminars in 85 & 86 and I have vivid memories of him in the library working on his own research. I know he will live on in the lives of his students, because he shaped my academic life so profoundly. To his family I pray God grant you peace. Dr. Laura Stafford

By Joe Paparone

November 8, 2010 8:23 AM | Link to this

I thank God that I was fortunate enough to have sat in his Theatre History and Dramatic Theory classes at Indiana University (1967-1970). He continues to be an inspiration to hundreds of college professors worldwide. His classes often ended with applause. The discipline of "Theatre" will have great difficulty replacing him.

By Will Peterson, Monash University

November 8, 2010 7:35 AM | Link to this

When I got accepted into the PhD program at UT I thought I'd better go to Austin to check out this iconic Brockett because I wanted to make sure he wasn't a stuffed shirt since I'd be stuck with him for 2-3 years. After he gave me his complete and undivided attention for an hour or so we stepped outside his office and he introduced me to about 30 students. He knew all of their names and they all seemed to like him, like REALLY like him. It felt like I had stepped into some magical fairy kingdom. I decided at that moment to come to UT and it changed the trajectory of my life. Thank you Brock for your kindness, your hunger for knowledge, your wit, and your friendship. You defined what it meant to be a mentor. I am in this because of what you modelled and how you were in the world.

By Jonathan Wilson

November 8, 2010 4:57 AM | Link to this

I remember having to read Dr. Brockett's History of the Theatre for my doctoral preliminary exams a the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the mid seventies. I went through that book so many times that it became a living part of me. To this day, when I teach my classes in Acting and Play Direction I carry the mind and spirit of Dr. Brockett with me. He will always be the spiritual advisor of my academic and professional life.

By George Riley

November 8, 2010 1:24 AM | Link to this

A great light has gone out. Thank you for teaching me about theatre.

By Lurana (Rae) O'Malley

November 8, 2010 12:44 AM | Link to this

As much as he taught me about theatre history and theory and about the life of a scholar, his deepest influence on me was modeling what a theatre professor should be. He was deeply committed to seeing and supporting the work of his students. He saw EVERYTHING. And we all noticed. And I try to do that, as best I can, do this day.

By Suzan Zeder

November 7, 2010 11:18 PM | Link to this

We all knew this day would come, but none of us ever guessed how it would feel. It has been a soft Sunday, not too hot, not too cold and yet, everything is different. Brock has been with me all day, looking over my shoulder as I grade papers, or answer e-mails, or sit here wondering what to write that might touch my memories of him with words that would not embarrass him or me. He has been at the edge of every thought and feeling I have had since I heard the news of his passing. What astonishes me is not his absence but his presence. And as I read the scores of tributes that have been pouring in all day, I realize that he is there with each of you, and he is alive and vibrant and strong and kind and cantankerous, and funny and fierce and… and… and…

He wrote the books that have given us our past. He wrote the books that helped us to imagine our futures. But most important of all are the books he wrote inside each of our lives. We will live them every day, if we are lucky and remember how to read them.

By K F Williams

November 7, 2010 10:12 PM | Link to this

I could not beleve I was assigned Oscar G for God Brockett as my advisor at Indiana University. I made that first appt. and knocked, heard a "come on in"; walked around the bookcase blocking the door view and there was this good looking guy in tennis whites, feet on desk, phone under chin, twrilling a rack as he talked. Figuring I was looking at one of his students/interns, I kinda roamed about the office looking at books; he hung up the phone, spun his chair about, stuck out his hand and said, "You must be K, call me Brock.". And when he left for TX; as a fellow TN, I threw a dinner party for him and his choice of guests; from the homemade bisquits to the chess pie.. a home meal. He taught me a ton, I still have the notes from one of his classes; and I still can't believe I got Brock as my advisor & chair of my PhD committee; he was the best.

By Joe Paparone

November 7, 2010 9:55 PM | Link to this

I was one of the lucky students who attended his Theatre History and Dramatic Theory classes at Indiana University (1967-70). His classes often ended with applause. I still recall the brilliance of his lectures and discussions. Dr. Brockett will forever be in my prayers.

By Harry Wingfield

November 7, 2010 9:34 PM | Link to this

Dr. Brockett made theatre history come alive. I had the privelege of taking 6 classes from him during my MFA program. He was a great teacher and friend. He made the world a better place because of his love of theatre and teaching.

By Carlen Gilseth

November 7, 2010 9:25 PM | Link to this

Dr. B. will continue to be an inspiration to me as I teach theatre to my own students. As a Research Assistant to Dr. Brockett in the late 80s and early 90s, I was fortunate to work side-by-side with him and to gain an immense amount of knowledge about theatre, life, and myself from his teaching methodologies. Dr. B. intuitively knew when to prod his students by asking questions designed to make them think for themselves; to cajole his students when we, perhaps, took ourselves a bit too seriously; and/or to praise his students when he genuinely thought we deserved or needed to hear a kind word. He valued each of us for who we were and where we were on life’s journey and saw all the possibilities within us. And, as all these postings attest, he took the time to build relationships with his students and colleagues. He cared enough for us to be genuinely interested in our opinion on whatever matter was at hand. Is there any greater legacy?

By Bud Coleman

November 7, 2010 8:45 PM | Link to this

I also moved to Austin to study with Dr. Brockett -- I had not met him before, so was completely bowled over by this brilliant, but unassuming genius. His dry wit kept me laughing, and his insight, love, and absolute faith in performance still moves me. I think of him, and miss him, everyday.

By Amy Smith Tones

November 7, 2010 8:34 PM | Link to this

I view this with great sadness. Dr. Brockett was the greatest influence on my life in the theatre and one of the most important people I have had the honor to meet in my life. I have found myself thinking of him often in the last couple of years as I have returned to teaching theatre. I know I learned more from him then Theatre History and Criticism. I regret that I will not get the chance to tell him that.

By Rand Harmon

November 7, 2010 8:26 PM | Link to this

Before most every class, as I stand and begin to launch into my remarks or ask the first probing discussion question of the day, Dr. Brockett tops a short list of inspirational role-model teachers that flashes through my mind. I'm honored to have had the incredible opportunity to study four semesters of theatre history with Dr. Brockett as an MFA directing student, and very fortunate to have received the words of very personalized encouragement, experienced the unforgettable lectures, and heard the great jokes and stories. I know I am a better artist and educator because of his guidance and wisdom.

I too treasure Dr. Brockett's signature on my thesis documentation. I remember dreading to hear his remarks after my rather heavy-handed stylistic treatment of a Greek classic for my thesis production, only to leave my defense basking in his kind praise for my innovation. Brock, as many of his former students have said here, had this knack for knowing his students, knowing their interests and motivations, and for inspiring us all to aim high, take risks, be responsible to the craft, the play and to our audience, and to be our best. Thank you Dr. Brockett. I miss you. I thank you daily for all your inspiration.

By Gregory Boyd

November 7, 2010 7:45 PM | Link to this

An extraordinary teacher and scholar. And a continuing source of inspiration and exhilaration to all of us who work in the American Theatre.

By Brian Lieske

November 7, 2010 7:44 PM | Link to this

The loss to the field is huge. The loss to his students is utterly irreplaceable. Accessible in a way very few scholars of his caliber were, the thing I remember most strongly about him is that he was a genuinely nice person. A true original and a wonderful human being who cared more deeply about the people he taught than any academician I've met before or since.

By Brian Danner

November 7, 2010 7:25 PM | Link to this

Dr Brocett's legacy will appropriately touch the lives of millions more. He was an amazing man whose story was long, well-told, full of thunder, valor and grace. His will always be my favorite theatre to ever have performed, cradled lovingly to the bosom of our beloved Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas at Austin. The motto, "what starts here, changes the world" could not be more appropriate and accurate for such a wonderful man. Thank you Dr. Brockett. Artists across the world have truly lost a treasure today.

By Brian Danner

November 7, 2010 7:24 PM | Link to this

Dr Brocett's legacy will appropriately touch the lives of millions more. He was an amazing man whose story was long, well-told, full of thunder, valor and grace. His will always be my favorite theatre to ever have performed, cradled lovingly to the bosom of our beloved Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas at Austin. The motto, "what starts here, changes the world" could not be more appropriate and accurate for such a wonderful man. Thank you Dr. Brockett. Artists across the world have truly lost a treasure today.

By Shan Holland Jensen

November 7, 2010 7:10 PM | Link to this

I remember as a small child, being taken to a park in Iowa City to visit with a friend of my parents. Once there, I met a kind old man (age perception for a child is very different) who, in between visiting with my parents, pushed me in a swing and told me stories. That man was Oscar Brockett, my father's mentor and friend. Despite having used his text book for years in my own teaching, I still think of him as that man in the park.

By Mike Workman

November 7, 2010 4:22 PM | Link to this

The late Oscar Brockett was a fine gentleman I briefly knew during my post-graduate studies in arts administration at UT-Austin, 1976-78. His impact is on people and stages well beyond both Austin and Texas!

By Kendall

November 7, 2010 4:19 PM | Link to this

Never mind the scholarship, the books, the awards. He was a good friend, a kindness in the world, a laugh, a snort (always had sinus trouble), and a solid presence. He helped me to come home to myself, and he understood, miraculous as it seems, what it was to be a single lesbian mom. He helped me to see clearly that scholarship was how we passed the time, but not what mattered. All that ever mattered, as Ellen Stewart said, was the love. Thank you, Michael. Like you, I will miss him every day.

By Jen Danby

November 7, 2010 4:13 PM | Link to this

Oscar Brockett was one of my teachers at University of Texas and he had a huge impact on me and the way I thought about acting and theatre.. He was stellar. Thanks, Professor Brockett for amazing inspiration from this actress in New York, definitely you taught us to challenge ourselves. Yes.

By Jeffrey Eric Jenkins

November 7, 2010 3:49 PM | Link to this

I mourn the loss of our greatest historian. I first met Brock when he was a NAST site visitor and I was an undergraduate at San Francisco State University in the early 1980s. He was a fine gentleman, a thorough scholar, and a patient mentor to multitudes. His work continues to resonate throughout the field. My condolences to his family and close friends.

By Cindy SoRelle

November 7, 2010 3:44 PM | Link to this

There is really no such thing as a former Brockett student. We all owned a part of him and he of us. I've posted some memories of our friendship over the past 30 years to the LMDA listserv. Michael B., he spoke so fondly of you; thanks for posting this. Francesca, you know how much Jim and I loved your dad--and how much we enjoyed our frequent visits and dinner outings with him over the years. He was very proud of you. You are in our thoughts. We loved Brock. Loved him. All best, Jim & Cindy SoRelle

By Bob Schmidt

November 7, 2010 2:41 PM | Link to this

I remember a number of times having Oscar Brockett asking me if he could use some of my designs and production photographs in his book THE ESSENTIAL THEATRE. He always acted as though I would be doing HIM a favor by doing so!

I also remember sitting in one of my first faculty meetings at the University of Texas. Brock was passionately arguing some point or other; a position contrary to that held by most of the faculty. When the vote was called he voted in opposition to the position he had just argued! When I asked him about this later he said that he thought both sides of the question needed to be clearly heard... so he took it upon himself to argue the other side even though he didn't agree with it...

I learned a lot from Brock. He was both insightful and gracious. I always felt privileged to count him as a friend. I will miss him.

By Tricia Ferguson

November 7, 2010 2:41 PM | Link to this

Brockett saw more of my work at UT than any other faculty member while I was completing my MFA in Acting. I took a class from him 5 out of my 6 semesters there and he served on my thesis committee. More than anything though I will remember him for his recent kindness. After a particularly ugly divorce, my ex vandalized my home and stole everything from me selling my personal belongings and/or throwing them away. More than missing my shoes, clothes & jewelry, I was devastated to lose my copies of Brockett's books that had been personalized with notes from the great man. My father emailed Brock telling him what had happened, asking if he could purchase the textbooks from him and if he would sign them. Brock's answer was to GIVE me copies from his personal shelves, sign them with even more inspiring words and ship them to me himself. Loveliest of all was his genuine affection that a student of his missed his books above all - his humility and kindness was astounding.
He has been a blessing in my life, personally and professionally. The world feels very different today now that he is gone.

By Dr. Lucien Douglas, UT Austin, Dept of Theatre & Dance

November 7, 2010 2:29 PM | Link to this

Brock's achievements, friendship, and dedication to students will forever be an inspiration to me. He was an exceptional scholar and a generius colleague. He loved the theatre--he saw everything that he could. He was a great supporter of students, always encouraging them in their efforts. I am honored to have known him.

By Mark Russell

November 7, 2010 2:25 PM | Link to this

His book was a bible to me. I still have my school copy on the shelf. I was pleased to have met him.

By Brooke Brod

November 7, 2010 2:05 PM | Link to this

I was fortunate enough to study with Dr. Brockett and remember him a someone who truly cared about students. Not only did he go to every student show, he could frequently be found chatting in the atrium, checking in on graduate students in our basement offices. A professor and historian of great stature, who taught grads and undergrads alike.

By Connie Hutchinson de Veer

November 7, 2010 2:00 PM | Link to this

What an honor to have known, studied under, and been guided by Oscar Brockett. I played Maria in Scott Shattuck's thesis production of TWELFTH NIGHT that he references above, and was in several of those fantastic seminar classes with Brock, (and Scott, and you too Michael!). Incidentally, Brock never used notes to lecture. It felt like wonderful story time to be in his classes. As a member of my MFA committee, his calm, sensible perspective kept me grounded and focuses on several occasions. He loved the theatre and inspired in his students an openness and continual curiosity. Thank you Dr. Brockett! And love to all my fellow Texas Ex-ers!

By Jules Odendahl-James

November 7, 2010 1:41 PM | Link to this

I must admit, I moved to Austin having no idea about Oscar Brockett. I'd been one of those rare undergraduates in the early 1990s who did not have his book for theater history coursework. I quickly realized exactly what kind of amazing scholar ran the program that admitted me as a very young graduate student. It was not only his classroom engagement but it was seeing Brockett at every show absorbing any and all kinds of performance that confirmed my belief that theater theory, history, and practice go hand in hand in hand. He was someone who encouraged me to take control of my graduate study. During an advising session, I asked if he would be "disappointed" in me if I switched into an MFA track, he smiled and (as I remember the exchange) replied with great patience, "I'm not your parent. Disappointment is something only you can measure against what you want out of your education." Thanks Brock for the push, the example, and the knowledge.

By W. B. Worthen

November 7, 2010 1:33 PM | Link to this

Brock was one of the first people I met when I took my first job, in the English dept at UT; he was and has remained a model for me, one hard to live up to, too: always interested in and engaged by what's new, emerging, as-yet-without-paradigm; working across institutional and disciplinary borders; an utterly reliable friend and colleague. Sad to know him to be gone.

By Wally Zialcita

November 7, 2010 1:31 PM | Link to this

It was a privilege to have studied under Dr. Brockett. As much as any teacher I have ever known, he demanded that students think for themselves and take responsibility for their own lives.

By Barbara Chisholm Faires

November 7, 2010 1:29 PM | Link to this

I will never forget meeting Brock at a party and being absolutely dumb struck. I stared across the room at him and at some point found myself in a bedroom with him where the coats were stacked. I was too overwhelmed to approach him but he initiated conversation and we ended up sitting on the bed talking and completely lost track of time. Our host finally came looking for us for we had been away so long our absence was noted. While I recovered my power of speech around him, I never loss awe of this brilliant, insightful, mischievous, generous titan. Our lives are richer for him and I am honored to have known him. My sincere to sympathy to you, Michael, for your profound loss.

By Maria Aladren

November 7, 2010 1:28 PM | Link to this

Dr. Brockett was above all a lovely person, who took each one of his students, regardless of their shortcomings seriously. He took time to attend student productions and always had insightful, caring criticism. He will be sorely missed. His scholarship influences me to this very day and when it came time to choose a textbook for my own students, his work was the first on my list.

By Mary Trotter, UW-Madison

November 7, 2010 1:26 PM | Link to this

I studied with Oscar Brockett at UT in 1991-1992, but he influenced my understanding of theatre long before and long after. He helped shape the profession in which I have the honor to participate. Yet he was a friendly and very accessible (even though very busy) professor who had time for and interest in each of his students.I will miss him. Theatre Studies will miss him.

By Pippa Broadhurst

November 7, 2010 1:04 PM | Link to this

What a wonderful teacher and what a wealth of knowledge he so generously imparted to us all! I remember him saying that we could have 2 class absences before it impacted our grade ... and if we couldn't find somewhere better to be twice in the semester then we weren't trying hard enough :) Will be sadly missed x

By Russ Taylor

November 7, 2010 12:46 PM | Link to this

Dr. Brockett didn't just teach students, he championed them. His fundamental message was, "Do what interests you, and do it very, very well." I feel blessed to have had him as a teacher.

By James Harley

November 7, 2010 11:59 AM | Link to this

There was no greater mind, heart or person in this world than Dr. Brockett. I'm extremely thankful to have known him.

By Eric Scott

November 7, 2010 11:43 AM | Link to this

I great man, a great mind and I consider myself blessed to have known him.

By Charlotte Canning

November 7, 2010 11:28 AM | Link to this

I, too, moved to Austin because of Brock. Not a day goes by that I don't draw on his example in my teaching and scholarship.He modeled quiet integrity for us all, never sacrificing a keen sense of humor in the process. Now not a day will go by that I don't miss him.

By Aaron Heinsman

November 7, 2010 11:27 AM | Link to this

Brock brought humor and humility to his teaching and made every student feel they could bring insight and analysis to the art. He was the benevolent ringleader to so many minds expanding and young people really coming into themselves. Truly a special man.

By Donna Aronson

November 7, 2010 11:21 AM | Link to this

Brock was an historic figure in the field of theatre history. His collaborations and mentoring of young scholars is commendable. I will miss him.

By Scott Shattuck

November 7, 2010 11:10 AM | Link to this

I actually went to UT to study with a different professor, and I assumed that Dr. Brockett would be too aloof to deal with a student in an MFA program. It was as great a stroke of educational luck as I've ever had that I was completely wrong: I took more classes from him than from any other professor I had in grad school, and he was personally very friendly and kind to me.

I am grateful that I got to take his Theatre History classes, but those are not the ones I got the most out of. The classes I remember as most important to me were Theory and Crit, where I learned what little I know about the intellectual history of the western world, and seminars on contemporary theatre. He supported me in turning a paper from one of those into the only article I've ever published in a juried journal, and gently helped me take out the parts where I had made a fool of myself. In another seminar he introduced me to ideas about thought, communication, art and human relationships that have remained important enough to me that they were central to the last production of Shakespeare that I directed (it happened to be my second production of *Twelfth Night*; the first was my MFA thesis project, which his teaching--as you well remember--profoundly influenced, and his signature in my documentation, as a member of my committee, is one of my most treasured autographs).

One day as I walked down to the Winship building from my parking space above the stadium and he walked from his space much closer in, he caught a glimpse of me and stood waiting on a corner until I reached him and we could finish our walk together. One night he accepted my invitation to a cocktail party at my humble house in West Campus. A few times (with you or other friends) I got to go to the movies with him. The last time I spoke to him was when you called from his apartment a couple of months ago, and he was as genial as ever, teasing that I was living too far away and that my colleague Kyle Kennedy had moved even further afield.

Imagine the thrill of these experiences for a working-class kid from the suburbs of Denver who thought of this titan, who turned out to be so warm and generous of spirit, as the Professor Kingsfield of my discipline. By the way, I never got comfortable calling him Brock, and eventually I went back to calling him Dr. Brockett.

There is no question that his recommendations launched my career and have been crucial to each step along the way.

Lately on the walks I take with my dogs, my only exercise to speak of, I mostly listen on my iPod to Paul Fry's Yale lectures on literary theory. That I enjoy trying to stretch my brain as I stretch my legs is entirely thanks to Dr. Brockett's teaching, which gave me the gift of the temerity to believe that the likes of me might appreciate even a taste of Derrida or gender performativity.

Thank you for this opportunity to remember how much I have to be grateful for in the dumb luck that made me his student. Thank you for keeping me in touch with Dr. Brockett for the past twenty years. And thanks especially for your very kind message this morning. My deep sympathies for your loss.

By Jill Dolan

November 7, 2010 10:45 AM | Link to this

Brock mentored so many of us in the field of theatre and performance. His influence will resound always across the profession and the academy. He was a good soul; I'll always treasure his friendship and his support.