Dayton Theater Hall of Fame Honors Joe Deer

The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have dedicated themselves to the cause of theatre arts in Dayton or have made a significant impact on Dayton’s theatre community. The 2015 inductee is Joe Deer.

Joe Deer is Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre and Director of the Musical Theatre Initiative at Wright State University, where he has headed the Musical Theatre program since its inception in 1997.  He is well known as a director for Wright State and the Human Race, and his productions have been acclaimed for their quality and creativity.  He is the author of Directing in Musical Theatre: An Essential Guide and co-author of Acting in Musical Theatre: A Comprehensive Course, both widely used as textbooks in theater programs around the world.  He has served on the board for the Human Race, has participated actively in Muse Machine activities, and has been instrumental in bringing national figures such as Stephen Schwartz, Leslie Uggams, and Audra McDonald to Dayton.

Established in 2001, the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame was created to honor local theater artists and patrons of the arts whose life-long participation, innovation, and creativity have influenced the Dayton arts culture.

This year’s induction ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual DayTony awards on August 8, 2015 at Sinclair Community College. Attendees will have the dinner or event-only option this year. Early bird pricing will be available through July 18, with a higher price until July 31. No reservations will be accepted after August 1. The event is open to the public and reservation information will be available on the DayTony website and social media when plans are completed.

The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame is operated and governed by the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Executive Committee.