With a mournful heart, The University Resident Theatre Association announces the passing of Executive Director, Scott L. Steele.
Mr. Steele led URTA for nearly 24 years, taking the job on as his life's work. The changes to the organization under his leadership were many and vast. Moving URTA literally into the 21st century by expanding the use of technology, Mr. Steele led the introduction of new programs and services for membership, while the association saw unprecedented growth in its ranks. His mark will be forever felt.
Mr. Steele grew up in Washington D.C., where his father worked for the Associated Press, and attended Dartmouth College. His career in theater began in 1977 as the General Manager at the American National Theatre and Academy. Productions during his time with ANTA included the American Off-Broadway premieres of The Elephant Man andTintypes, both of which transferred to Broadway and earned Tony Awards. For six years, Mr. Steele was the Deputy Director of the Lincoln Center Theater. At Lincoln Center he worked with such artists as Woody Allen, Blythe Danner, John Guare, and Jerry Zaks on productions including The Philadelphia Story and The House of Blue Leaves, as well as serving as Associate Producer for several shows at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre. He also served as General Manager with The Acting Company, and at the Williamstown Theater Festival, where he regularly managed more than 30 different events each summer.
Joining URTA in 1994, he found a professional home to which he would commit himself for the rest of career, and his life.
A lover of German opera and of the rocky coast of Maine, he was at once a private man, and a consummate wit. He was a familiar, steady presence through the comings and goings of faculty, administrations, and the changing URTA board.
Mr. Steele's husband Robert Pridham passed away last year. He is survived by numerous extended family and a large network of devoted friends who surrounded him in warmth and love through his life and beyond.
His absence will be felt greatly each day.
Information about services and charitable donations will be announced soon.