This page is dedicated to honoring R-ACTors who are no longer with us, preserving the memory of their talents and the lasting impact they made on our company. Each individual we remember here was an essential part of R-ACT Theatre Productions during their time with us and each holds a valued place in our history.
This In Memoriam page was established in 2024 as a way to pay tribute to the contributions of those we lost and ensure their legacy remains part of our story. Scroll down to read the tributes, which are listed chronologically beginning with the most recent passing.
In some cases R-ACTors may have requested donations to R-ACT in lieu of flowers. We honor and appreciate those who wished to continue supporting R-ACT after their final curtain. You may make a donation in their name here.
This In Memoriam page was established in 2024 as a way to pay tribute to the contributions of those we lost and ensure their legacy remains part of our story. Scroll down to read the tributes, which are listed chronologically beginning with the most recent passing.
In some cases R-ACTors may have requested donations to R-ACT in lieu of flowers. We honor and appreciate those who wished to continue supporting R-ACT after their final curtain. You may make a donation in their name here.
MIKE NELSON
February 25, 1961 - August 12, 2025
In loving memory of R-ACTor Mike Nelson
written by Larry Spinnenweber A long time ago, when I was young and first filled with excitement for theater, I enrolled as a student at Edinboro University. I was soon cast in my first college production. It was a children’s theater adaptation of The Emperor’s New Clothes, and I was to understudy an actor a year or so ahead of me named Mike Nelson. We were to perform this play at local elementary schools. On the morning of our first “tour” – by coincidence, my birthday – we gathered in the parking lot before boarding the van that would take us to the schools. The costumes and props were already packed. Every member of the cast and crew were there – except Mike Nelson. It would soon be time to leave, and no one knew where Mike was. I realized that if he didn’t arrive, I would have to go on in his place. I began pacing the parking lot, reviewing my lines and my blocking, panic and excitement both setting in. At the last minute, however, there came Mike across the parking lot. He spent the day playing the Emperor’s advisor, and I went back to playing musical sound effects. That was my only experience with Mike Nelson at Edinboro. I transferred to Penn State University at the end of the semester and eventually graduated with my Batchelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts. Then one spring I saw that the Rochester Area Community Theatre (R-ACT) was auditioning for You Can’t Take It with You. Since this was and is one of my favorite plays, I auditioned. I was cast and found myself sharing the stage with Mike Nelson from Edinboro. Mike was an integral part of R-ACT over the years. He was actor, director, set designer/builder, lighting designer, acting and directing teacher, and musician. R-ACT went through some ups and downs, some rough and trying times, but Mike was never discouraged. He remained positive and excited about what R-ACT could do, and his excitement was contagious. As an actor, Mike was generous and gave his fellow actors what they needed to better their performances. He took direction well, trusting in the director’s vision of the play. As a director, Mike could be demanding. Although he was encouraging and supportive, he also showed no mercy in pushing an actor to give the best possible performance, and it was a joy to be pushed into that performance. Over the years, life pulled Mike somewhat away from R-ACT. Though he did not participate as much, his love for and belief in R-ACT remained. He was a mentor, still interested, still ready to give advice and encouragement, to push R-ACT to new theatrical heights. It had long been a dream and goal of Mike’s to see that R-ACT had a theater of its own. Although he never got to work there, I know Mike was proud of what his company was creating on the Segriff Stage. Mike will be missed. R-ACT will always be grateful to him for his friendship, his laughter, his instruction, his encouragement, his dreams. A light has gone out of our theatrical marquis. Mike once said to me that we needed new members in R-ACT, younger members , people who would keep R-ACT going after we were gone. Perhaps this is the moment when we understudies must go on for him. Break a leg, Mike, as you go to play on that Great Stage where the curtain never comes down and the audience always loves you. My prayers, thoughts, and sympathies, as well as those of R-ACT Theatre Productions, are with Mike’s family, friends, and all those whom he touched theatrically over the years. Mike's Obituary Noll Funeral Home Inc. | Condolences
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Visit the archive pages of some of the shows Mike was involved in here at R-ACT:
Pittsburgh New Works Festival (2014-2023, Director) The Rainmaker (2018, Director) Fractured Fairy Tales Vol 1 (2017, Director) Wait Until Dark (2015, Director) The Creation of the World and Other Business (2014, Director) Murder on the Mesa (2014, Nate Dexter) Playing Doctor (2013, Director) |
CYNDI BUTLERPERRY
October 19, 1962-February 4, 2025
Cyndi's Tribute Wall Tunie Funeral Home Inc
Visit the archive pages of the shows Cyndi was involved in here at R-ACT:
Alice in Wonderland (2024) The Revolutionists (2024) Murder on the Mesa (2024) 1940s USO Show Holiday Musical Revue (2023) |
Cyndi Behind-the-Scenes | ||
JOHN BASINGER
January 27, 1969-February 11, 2024
John's Tribute Wall Mark C. Brooks Funeral Home Inc.
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Visit the archive pages of some of the shows John was in here at R-ACT:
Beaver Bridges (2023) A Killing in Kilts (2023) Tap Dancing on the Radio (2022) Murder at the Movies (2020) Murder and Merry Men (2019) The Book of Liz (2019) Knock 'em Dead (2019) Fractured Fairy Tales Vol. 2 (2018) |
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