Hans Unser, who has been involved with local theatre for nearly 20 years, is the 2020 Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame inductee.
Unser, 86, currently serves on the Beavercreek Community Theatre Board of Directors and is the organization’s facilities manager as well. His theatre associations include Dayton Theatre Guild, Town Hall Theatre, Sinclair Community College, Dayton Playhouse, Dare to Defy Productions, and Springfield Arts Council. He has notably assisted in the construction and painting of nearly 100 sets, served on stage crew for numerous shows, and has stage managed others. In particular, he is typically seen atop a 12 foot ladder painting a set, hanging teasers or changing light bulbs.
He moved to Dayton in 1996 from California after retiring from the film industry, first as a film editor. In fact, the Beach Blanket genre contains his handiwork. He eventually formed his own subtitle company. He is also a veteran and received a purple heart during the Korean Conflict.
Due to COVID-19, this year’s DayTony gala and Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame ceremony has been canceled. However, Unser will be honored at next year’s gala. The DayTony Awards for excellence and merit will be announced Saturday, July 25. Organizers say recipients will be able to pick up their awards at the theatres where the performances took place. “We will miss the opportunity to celebrate together this year,” said DayTony President and Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame member Debra Strauss. “But I look forward to how wonderful it will be to honor our friends and colleagues next year.”
