Bay Area theatre artist Mike Ward passed away today. I served as his stage manager for a 2009 workshop musical production that spanned from San Francisco to San Jose. Coincidentally I thought of him this evening before learning this news.

I’ll always remember Mike’s creative energy, dedication to the artistic task at hand, and delight in steering and mentoring fellow performing artists. As a small example, he offered individual coaching sessions to each one of us involved with the musical project after we’d completed working together. When I met with him, he offered concise and direct feedback and advice. At the time I found it surprising, but now I am grateful for his clairvoyance.

I’d heard that he had become ill again, but was not able to see him in these last few months. I will think of him now, and appreciated my friend Dale Albright’s tribute just posted over at Theatre Bay Area.