Singer’s ‘quiet’ exit not unnoticed

 

(Professor Emeritus Ron Singer, above, talks with students)

Professor Emeritus Ron Singer, who retired quietly in December from York’s Department of Theatre, Faculty of Fine Arts, isn’t going to get away without a farewell from the York community. Friends, colleagues and students are hosting a celebration in his honour on Monday, April 14, at 7 pm in the Joseph G. Green Studio Theatre.

Singer, who taught acting in York University’s Theatre Department from 1972 to 2003, is a professional actor who has appeared in many feature films, television series and commercials. He has also worked extensively as a director and producer for theatre, film and television. As a director, Singer has over 30 professional theatre productions to his credit.

In 2001, Little Miracles, a dramatic real-life television series conceived and produced by Singer, was nominated for a Gemini Award for Best Documentary Series. Little Miracles chronicles the experiences of young patients, their families and staff at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.

The following announcement about the celebration for Singer was sent to YFile by the Faculty of Fine Arts.

In a bold and unexpected move which left his colleagues and students reeling, Ron Singer, the eminent teacher of acting and directing, bon vivant, world traveller and connoisseur of the finer things in life, “has left the building.”

In his unique fashion for doing things differently, Ron packed up his electronic gadgets and quietly slipped into retirement at the end of December 2002.

Ron’s friends, colleagues and students – past and present – are desperately in need of a theatrical, Aristotelian cathartic closure to this shocking and traumatic event. Hence, on Monday, April 14, there will be an evening celebrating Ron’s 30-plus years (he’s been here so long, no one is sure how many years exactly) in York’s Theatre Department.

We are soliciting all who know and love Ron to contribute to the evening of musings and memories, poetics and parodies, songs and satire. Your ideas and participation are very welcome.

Please contact Aina Arro at ext. 22204 or ainaarro@YorkU.CA if you would like to participate, or to send an RSVP.

For more information about Singer, visit http://www.yorku.ca/finearts/faculty/profs/singer.htm.