In Memoriam: Bernhard R. Works
He died October 28, 2017, in Middleton, Wisconsin, surrounded by friends and family. In his long career in technical theatre, Works designed hundreds of productions for schools, colleges, community theatre, and professional summer stock. He was a member of the original planning committee for Krannert Center and worked closely with architect Max Abramovitz’s team to develop and design the space. Works developed the Illinois High School Theatre Festival in 1975, convinced that it was a terrific opportunity for community engagement. He was a founding member of the Illinois Theatre Association and its second president, 1975–77. Active in the United States Institute of Theatre Technology since 1960 (a year after starting as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign), he earned the Joel E. Rubin Founders Award, the institute’s highest honor, in 2011. He established the annual Frederick A. Buerki Golden Hammer Award to recognize and fund an outstanding student technician and the Master Craftsmanship Award, recognizing a graduating senior in scene painting, stage properties, costume making, and lighting technology. Works was a dedicated teacher, craftsperson, and artist.