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Past Executive Director Of The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre Passes

By Scott Sarvay

Credit: Image Courtesy: Michael Mitchell

Image Courtesy: Michael Mitchell

June 18, 2010 Updated Sep 22, 2008 at 3:55 PM EST

LANCASTER, Pa. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - Shortly after midnight, Fulton Artistic Director Michael D. Mitchell succumbed to his battle with cancer. He faced his illness with wit, dignity and grace, with several of his friends and his loving sister Pat at his side.

Prior to his passing, Michael along with the Fulton Opera House Foundation Board of Trustees established the Michael D. Mitchell Artistic Endowment. The endowment is to ensure that the Fulton continue its tradition of providing artists with a welcoming atmosphere. Michael has left the majority of his personal estate as the lead gift to this endowment, and he requested that in lieu of flowers, friends join him in making a gift. Contributions can be sent in Michael's honor to the Fulton Theatre, PO Box 1865, Lancaster, PA 17608.

Phillip H. Colglazier of the Civic Theatre recalls, “Michael was truly a kind and talented soul who we all remember as being a very giving Director. Michael’s years at the Civic Theatre brought the premiere of FARENHIET 451, Yellow Dog Crossing (which Woody Harrelson from Cheers attended to support Michael), and many more. He brought back Jane Lanier and John Rubenstein to do Love Letters as a special fundraiser for the Civic Theatre. Michael directed Heather Headley in The Fantasticks, her one production she did for the Civic Theatre”.

During his tenure he established the Civic’s In The Wings Art-In-Education program serving at-risk youth by providing free tickets to our production. The In The Wings Program is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary this season having touched the lives of over 153,000 individuals.

Michael was the Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre from August 1, 1987-February 1, 1993.

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