Theatre Professor Emeritus Tom Bradac, who worked at Chapman University for almost 35 years, passed away March 13, 2024. He was 76.
Provost Norma Bouchard called Bradac a “true titan in the world of theatre.” He chaired the theatre and dance departments, initiating Chapman’s participation in the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival and earning the Excellence in Education Award for his dedication. He founded the Shakespeare Orange County theater, the Grove Shakespeare Festival and the Shakespeare Theatre Association.
Under his guidance, Shakespeare Orange County was honored as the Arts Organization of the Year by Arts Orange County and was recognized for community service by the Walt Disney Company. Bradac received the Hollywood Drama-Logue Publisher’s Award for Exceptional Achievement in Theatre for the Grove Shakespeare Festival and he staged Shakespearean works around the world, including “Venus and Adonis” in Prague.
He was both a director and actor, directing productions such as an acclaimed version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2021 and playing roles in Shakespearean works and Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
He is survived by his wife Anne and daughters Caitlin and Alyssa.
