Loss of a Great Friend

Jim Coppens, SBCT’s Executive Director from September of 1995 through January of 2009, and Artistic Director through July of 2009, passed away at 10:40 on Wednesday, August 11, 2010.

Jim Coppens will forever be remembered for building South Bend Civic Theatre to national prominence, helping to bring excellent theatre to tens of thousands of theatre goers and school students every year, and, by example, challenging peers across the country to share excellent theatre experiences across diverse cultures.

Jim will be dearly missed by the countless numbers of actors, directors, audience members, volunteers, community partners, and students who were enlightened by his work and were inspired by his vision for the community.

As he neared his retirement in June of 2009, he was recognized with South Bend Civic Theatre’s highest honor, The Marjorie H. and James M. Wilson Philanthropic Award, for his many years of stellar service.

During Mr. Coppens’ tenure as Executive Director, South Bend Civic Theatre experienced explosive growth in every respect. In his first year, the number of productions doubled from six to twelve plus the addition of three children’s productions. Fulltime staff grew to include development, house management, technical direction, administration, box office and education positions. Service to public schools and partnerships with social service organizations prospered.

Artistic values were always at the top of Mr. Coppens’ priorities, and the organization experienced astonishing growth in every artistic area. The directors’ and actors’ volunteer pools grew exponentially and the breadth of the artistic content of seasons expanded to include Pulitzer Prize winners and challenging contemporary works. SBCT, always recognized for artistic quality, began to compete more often, regularly winning the top awards at the State and Regional levels. The culminating moment was when Intimate Apparel placed 2nd nationally at AACTFest ’09, the official competition of the American Association of Community Theatres, and won more awards in acting, directing and technical excellence than any other theatre production there.

As arts organizations across the country continue to struggle to incorporate diversity and inclusivity into their daily practice, Coppens’ absolute dedication to diversity is demonstrated throughout South Bend Civic Theatre’s organizational culture today. Stories from African American and Hispanic cultures are included regularly in each season, and people of all races participate readily as performers, board members, volunteers, and attendees.

Together with a dedicated Board of Directors and community volunteers, Jim worked non-stop to help SBCT realize a long-term dream when he participated in the $4 million capital campaign that resulted in the beautifully renovated new theatre at 403 N. Main, which houses the Wilson Mainstage Auditorium and Warner Studio Theatre, and the addition of the Roland W. Goheen Technical Wing. SBCT completed the project in November of 2009, when an anonymous donation paid the final installment, allowing for the symbolic “burning of the mortgage.”

Jim’s love of live theatre was unmatched. Known as much for his acting and directing as for his staff leadership, Jim’s favorite SBCT directing projects included A Streetcar Named Desire; I’m Not Rappaport; The Miracle Worker; Over the Tavern; A Lesson Before Dying; The Belle of Amherst, (1996 and 2007); The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial; Lost in Yonkers; The Compleat Wrks of Wm Shkspr (Abr.), 1999 and 2008; and Wit, SBCT’s production at Century Center’s Bendix Theater.

Favorite SBCT acting roles included Henry Higgins, My Fair Lady, Genesis Players, 1989 and SBCT, 2004; George, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 1997; Willy Loman, Death of a Salesman, 2008; Willie Clark, The Sunshine Boys, 1992 and 2009; James Tyrone, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, 2001; John Barrymore, Barrymore, 2000; C.S. Lewis, Shadowlands, 1997; Weller Martin, The Gin Game, 2006; Tony Roma, Glengarry Glen Ross, 1999; and Henry in the Lion in Winter, Presbyterian Players, 1991.

Per Jim’s and his family’s wishes, he was remembered with a visitation at the theatre and memorial service at First United Methodist Church. Memorial gifts may be sent to: Jim Coppens Memorial Fund, South Bend Civic Theatre, PO 1146, South Bend, IN 46624.

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