University theatre professor John Dennis died Friday in his home at the age of 76.
A memorial service is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. in the Claude L. Shaver Theatre in the Music and Dramatic Arts building.
Dennis directed several productions at the University, including “A Christmas Carol,” “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Dracula.”
“The success of the department, Swine Palace, and MFA Acting program is in a large part due to John Dennis and his commitment to his students and the art of theatre,” said Kristin Sosnowsky, interim chair of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts.
Theatre junior Tessa Breaux said she worked in the costume section for Dennis’ 2009 set of “Royal Family.”
“It was sad to hear about his passing,” she said. “We all knew he had been having a lot of health problems.”
Breaux said Dennis, who was often affectionately called “JD” by students and friends, was a legend in the department and respected by many students.
“There are a ton of people who worked and trained with him that really admired him,” she said. “It was cool how the whole atmosphere would change when he walked in the door.”
Dennis received several awards for his outstanding work as a theatre director, including two L.A. Drama Critic’s Awards and the Dramalogue Award for Directing.
He spent more than 30 years at the University.
In 1991, he was awarded the LSU Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award, and in 1996, he received the Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award as well as the Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Award in 2003.
 
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Contact Kate Mabry at [email protected]