DFW Center Stage

DFW CENTER STAGE
Doug Sturdivant

Celebrating The DFW Theater Community

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved theater critic and friend, Doug Sturdivant, who died suddenly this morning. The news was given to us this evening by Doug’s devoted partner of 45 years, John Fredette, who will be delivering an obituary sometime soon. There will be a celebration of life gathering, to be determined.

Doug Sturdivant moved here only a few short years ago from North Carolina, joining Where the Drama Is in 2022, and brought so much to our theater community. He created “DFW Center Stage” bringing us reviews of so many theater productions across the DFW metroplex, meeting a crucial need, including actor spotlights, “Beyond the Bio.”

Born in 1951, Doug was a North Carolina native who graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English. He was awarded a certificate in Latin from CUNY and a certificate in Directing from Yale School of Drama. He also interned with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Doug taught English and Drama for over 30 years in Raleigh, NC to middle and high school students and adults. He directed multiple shows. Besides here on “Where the Drama Is,” Doug’s reviews appeared at FYI50plus.com.

Thank you, Doug, for your love and devotion to the North Texas theater community. You definitely made your mark in the few short years you were here. You will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace, dear friend.
-Trey Burkhead

We are grieved to report that Doug Sturdivant, theatre critic and wonderful friend to the DFW theatre community, passed away suddenly on Sunday morning. Doug came to the NTX area from North Carolina only three years ago--but his website 'DFW CENTER STAGE' made a big impact, with Doug's lively reviews and interviews, and his unmatched enthusiasm for the work--and the people--he saw on and behind the stages of North Texas. There aren't that many of us writing about theatre these days--and his voice will be missed by so many. It was always, automatically, a great night at the theatre when I spotted Doug and could spend a few minutes chatting about all things theatrical. He was a lovely gentleman, a fine writer, and always a joy to be with!

Jan Farrington, Mg. Editor, Onstage NTX
I am overwhelmed by the loss of our dear Doug Sturdivant. I miss him and remain in disbelief that I will not see him at the next show, that I can't reach out to him or respond to his next message. Doug was a soul of kindness and care, tireless in shining light on our theater community (and all he met), a wise and thoughtful force of joy on a mission to lift those who need an encouraging word. Our wonderful Trey Birkhead, for whom I am so thankful, also cares deeply for the community, and remains our main and steadfast administrator of this group. I hope you will continue to support Trey, our community and help brainstorm ways to keep the light shining on all who need hope, gratitude, and a reminder that your work matters. Theater keeps us connected, human and humane. We need what this group creates and supports always, but now more than ever. I keep telling myself that as much as I feel like sinking into sadness, the best way to honor and show love for Doug is for each of us to do what we can to spread light.

Nancy Churnin
Doug Sturdivant was one of my first clients when I was building Pearl Creative Consulting. I remember sitting with him and talking about what he wanted the DFW Center Stage website to be, and what his brand was. I’ll never forget him saying “I want to be a cheerleader for Dallas Theater” “Celebrating The DFW Theater Community “ Doug accomplished that in spades and we were better for his efforts. He wrote my first directorial review, supported all my artistic companies, and was a joy to see in any audience. I will miss him and his work sorely. My final memory is running into him at Noises Off opening night, smiling, enjoying theater, and listing off the 5 other shows he had on his calendar for that week. May we all strive to support our community like he did.

Samantha Calatozzo Cobb, Pearl Creative Consulting
DFW Center Stage and Doug gave us our first review ever. He was a passionate supporter of our work and has left a great gap in our community. We will be forever grateful.

Plague Mask Players
Some people write about theatre. Doug Sturdivant believed in it. Through DFW Center Stage, he gave DFW artists and companies a platform celebrating the big, the small, the quirky, the heartfelt. He saw us all. We were lucky to be part of his first year-end wrap-up last year for Elf, and even luckier to call him a friend of our theatre family. As we open our next show, which he was excited to attend, we’ll celebrate his legacy: his light, his laughter, and his love for this community. We’ll miss you, Doug. We know you’ve got the best seat in the house. 💔

CenterStage TheatreWorks
Lyric Stage would like to express our deep sadness for the passing of our friend Doug Sturdivant. Doug was a supporter of the arts in Dallas like no other. Always kind, caring, and supportive of the community, Doug was a shining example of what should be. We are so sad to know he is gone.

Lyric Stage
Lewisville Playhouse extends it's deepest condolences on the passing of DFW Theater Critic and supporter, Doug Sturdivant. Mr. Sturdivant was emphatically passionate for his celebration of the DFW Theater community. He celebrated and championed all forms of theater and took great pride in his career as both a theater critic and an enthusiastic theater patron. Doug will be greatly missed and will always be remembered for his warm regards and his unabated love for live theater. On behalf of the entire Lewisville Playhouse organization, we extend our support and condolences to the many members of the DFW theater community at large who were touched by Doug's unending impact. And our warmest condolences to Doug's family and friends.

Lewisville Playhouse
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Doug Sturdivant. He was a beloved voice in our community, and his words uplifted all of us with every review he wrote. LCT extends our love and condolences to his family, friends, and to everyone in the DFW Theatre community who was touched by his kindness and passion for the arts.

Lakeside Community Theater

It’s with a heavy heart I come here to announce that our dear friend, reviewer, and my favorite theatre buddy Doug Sturdivant has passed away unexpectedly in the last few days. I talked with his partner John over the phone just now and currently there’s not much known as to the cause, only that he’s no longer with us. Finding this out I felt a nail to the spine. If you have pictures of yourself with him I urge you to share them, he loved this community so deeply. I wish I had taken more of my own. You made the room feel special every time I was in one with you, you’re your own spotlight. I bet your highlight reel of your life must be breathtaking. Love you Pooks 💖

Tucker PJ Souther
Forever grateful for this sweet man and his uplifting words, kind heart, and his smile from the front row that greeted so many performers across the metroplex. I am full of so much gratitude to have gotten to know him, and I know the DFW theatre community will remember him for decades to come 🩵 Thank you Doug Sturdivant for all your love!!

Tyler Halbrooks
I can’t believe it. I remember the first time I spoke with him, speaking to a stranger but with a complete sense of trust and light, absolutely a caring and joyful person. Rest in peace, Doug. 🕊️ Your joy transcends in all of us

Galileo Segura
I’m so heartbroken. He was such a light, and such an avid supporter of DFW theatre. Sending so much love and support to his partner and his loved ones 🫶🏽

Arianna Reed
Sending much love to his partner, Doug always kept the confidence in myself and so many other artists that we deserved to be on that stage. And I will forever be thankful of that.

Max Swenson
Rest in peace, Doug. He was one of the most supportive people I knew. Every time he came to see a show the dressing room would be full of people excitedly saying “Doug is here tonight!” Followed by everyone talking about how amazing he is. I am incredibly heartbroken ❤️

John Marshall
My heart is absolutely broken, I just saw him chatting up with folks just a couple days ago on here. I’m so terribly sorry for those who are close to him, and the entire theatre community profoundly feels his absence 🩷🩷🩷

Madeleine Norton