A. Lynn Lockrow, a founding faculty member of IUP's Theater Department in the 1970s, passed away from COVID-19 in Manteo, North Carolina, on January 3.
Lockrow joined IUP's faculty in 1978 as technical director and scenic and lighting designer for the new department, teaching and producing theater for seven years and eventually leading as chairperson. He went on to teach at Auburn University for 24 years as scenic and lighting designer, and director of Design and Production. He also provided a major contribution to American outdoor drama at Florida's Cross and Sword, From This Day Forward, and as artistic director of Horn in the West. He was technical director, production manager, and production stage manager at the Tony Award-winning The Lost Colony, in Manteo, NC, from 1973 to 2001.
Alumni from the era describe Professor Lockrow with great fondness and affection, many remembering that he struck them as a model for the Marlboro Man of the era, complete with boots, hat, and iconic posture. Randall Exton notes, “Lynn was such a great mentor during my time at IUP. He is responsible for hiring me for my first professional job in theater.”
He impacted the life skills and choices of many theater artists, including Neil Kutner. “I loved Lynn. He is the sole reason I chose to go to IUP. He inspired me everyday we worked together.”
Professor emeritus and playwright/director Ed Simpson remarked, “Lynn was a dedicated theater artist and educator. I was honored to have worked with him at the beginning of my years in Waller.”