EVANSVILLE, IND. (07/10/2023) John David Lutz, an influential figure in the world of theatre and a well-respected member of the University of Evansville community, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at the age of 83. Surrounded by his loving family, John David peacefully departed from this world in the comfort of his own home.
Born on January 17, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, John David was the son of the late John “Jack” and Mary Lutz. He graduated from what was then called Evansville College in 1964 before earning a Master of Arts degree from the University of Denver. He returned to the University of Evansville in 1965 as an instructor and technical director, later acquiring a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Orleans.
John David’s impact on the theatrical landscape was immeasurable. Over his tenure at the University of Evansville, he directed nearly 80 productions, a testament to his dedication and artistic vision. Under his guidance, the university participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for 38 years, with 32 productions earning invitations to regional festivals. Remarkably, he directed 24 of those 32 productions, and six of the eight UE productions invited to the national festival. His directorial talent also graced renowned regional theaters, including the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Brown County Playhouse, and Pittsburgh Playhouse. In New York City, he directed the Off-Broadway premiere of “Between Daylight and Boonville,” a play written by Matt Williams, a UE alumnus.
John David’s innovative approach to recruiting prospective students in the 1980’s helped the University of Evansville Theatre gain recognition as a premier training ground for future theater professionals. Additionally, he co-founded the National Unified Auditions, an organization comprising 25 schools that hold simultaneous auditions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles for aspiring theater students. His dedication to nurturing young talent led to a legacy in the theater community.
Throughout his illustrious career, John David received numerous accolades, including the 1982 UE Medal of Honor, the 1984 KC/ACTF Gold Medallion, and the 1998 Indiana Theatre Association’s Theatre Person of the Year. These awards were further complemented by his 2007 induction into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre and his 2012 KC/ACTF Outstanding Career Achievement in Directing. His contributions were recognized by the University of Evansville, which honored him as the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year and bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2016.
After dedicating 53 years to the University of Evansville, John David retired in 2018, solidifying his position as the longest-serving faculty member in the university’s history. His unwavering commitment earned him the well-deserved title of Professor Emeritus.
“John David was a visionary theatre professor and beloved member of the Evansville community. His dedication to the arts and his students has left an indelible mark on the University of Evansville and the wider theatre world,” said Sharla Cowden, Department Chair and Managing Director of UE Theatre. “John David’s passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed. Across the nation, there are broken-hearted former students and colleagues, but we are also grateful to have been mentored by and worked alongside this incredible theatre artist.”
Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Evansville’s new John David Lutz Theatre Lab, located at 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47722, or Omni Hospice, situated at 3101 N Green River Rd., Suite 210, Evansville, IN 47715. Celebration of life arrangements will be provided at a later time.
