Bill Newberry, 69, one of the co-founders of Fort Worth’s Circle Theatre, has passed away, the theatre announced on Tuesday. .
Bill, along with his wife Rose Pearson, founded Circle Theatre in 1981. Together, they oversaw the theatre from its original location on Bluebonnet Circle, to Magnolia Avenue, to its current home in Sundance Square. The couple received the Elston Brooks Lifetime Achievement Award from the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County in 2004. Rose Pearson died in 2016.
Newberry’s expansive roles at Circle included: designing over 100 sets, appearing on-stage in over 30 productions, and serving as Technical Director and Stage Manager many times over. In addition, he handled all financials and accounting for the Theatre. He also served as an Actors’ Equity Paymaster for union talent working throughout the state of Texas.
Newberry constantly championed Circle Theatre’s mission of presenting innovative theatre in an intimate setting. His legacy continues as the Theatre just opened its 38th season, the second one since his well-earned retirement in December 2017.
A celebration of his life will take place at Circle Theatre. Details will be announced shortly, officialsa at the theatre said.
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