The National Partners of the American Theatre
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, John David Lutz has exemplified the finest in theatre education through his
leadership, classroom finesse, and incomparable directing talents; and
WHEREAS, with degrees from Evansville College, the University of Denver and the University
of New Orleans, he has enjoyed a full 50-year career at the University of Evansville despite one
near fatal event in his first year (he slept through a final exam and consequently was threatened
into absolute compliance by the dean. To remind him of his precarious beginning let’s just call
John David “Last Straw Lutz!); and
WHEREAS, as Chair of the Theatre Department, he brought the program to unparalleled
national acclaim. With 38 years of participation, he has the national record of eight productions
being invited to perform at the national Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival; and
WHEREAS, he directed six of those productions, making him the most-celebrated director in
higher education theatre, an event that was marked by the KC/ACTF’s Outstanding Career
Achievement in Directing; and
WHEREAS, with an intense commitment to fostering American voices through playwriting, he
was a founding member of the New Harmony Project, a retreat that exists to nurture new plays,
and screenplays that sensitively and truthfully explore the positive aspects of life; and
WHEREAS; like Sam Smiley served so strikingly for him, John David is a devoted
mentor/teacher as evidenced in the impressive careers in theatre, film and television that are
enjoyed by his protégés; and
WHEREAS, his artistry and class have been marked by many awards throughout the mid-west
including the Mayor’s and Indiana Governor’s Arts Award for Arts Educator of the Year,
Indiana Theatre Association Theatre person of the Year and the University of Evansville
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year; and
WHEREAS, one student so articulately praised him saying, “If you weren’t so incredibly
consistent in your judgment of talent and academic ability and your dedication to leading the
department of theatre to national recognition, you would’ve been a great basketball coach for the
Indiana Hoosiers.”
WHEREAS, his love for theatre, sports, family and friends is reflected in his sharp wit and soft
smile; and
WHEREAS, his impact on myriad individuals and the theatre as a whole resonates in wondrous
Wooden Os and their derivatives throughout the country;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that on this the 18th day of April, 2015, John David Lutz is
celebrated by the National Partners of the American Theatre who honor his lifetime contribution
to theatre arts and his influence on all our lives. Furthermore, the National Partners of the
American Theatre bestow upon him the honorary title Emeritus Partner of the American
Theatre, and extend to him friendship and appreciation for his significant contributions to the
American Theatre that will continue to reverberate through the profession.
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Jere Wade
National Chair
Kathryn Robinson
Distinguished Partner