Robert Falls Receives Distinguished Legacy Award
The award honors “college alumni and friends who have demonstrated courage, curiosity, and passion in their work” and “individuals who have impacted their fields in transformative ways—catalysts with distinguished service to the arts.” With over three decades leading the Goodman Theatre, Falls stands as a testament to the incredible impact an individual can have on the art of theatre creation.
During the visit, Swanlund Professor Daniel Sullivan interviewed Falls in an open discussion with current students. Falls shared a host of Illinois memories spanning from his directing in the Armory Free Theatre to the first student-directed production on the stages of the newly opened Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. After the all-department talk, Falls joined the senior acting class for a deeper conversation on how to succeed in 21st-century professional theatre. Senior BFA actor Brian Kim said, “As an actor, getting a chance to talk to an acclaimed artistic director and alum like Bob Falls and to learn more of his experience, I gain a greater knowledge and empathy for the importance of collaboration in theatre.” The Department of Theatre thanks Falls for all he has done to enhance the experiences of our students.