Theater pioneer honored

UM awarded an honorary doctorate to renowned educator Firman H. “Bo” Brown at its 2008 Commencement ceremonies May 10.

The honorary doctor of fine arts degree recognizes Brown’s illustrious record of teaching, scholarship and service to educational theater.

In nominating Brown for UM’s highest honor, School of Fine Arts Dean Shirley Howell said, “The number of students whose lives have been influenced by the work of Dr. Firman H. Brown, the number of theatre programs that have been improved by the high standards set and the number of audiences enriched by his life’s work are infinite.”

“When one talks or thinks about theater in Montana, one must take account of Bo Brown and all that he has accomplished,” said UM President George Dennison. “We Montanans know our history of theater in the state because of Bo. We enjoy the Bigfork Summer Theatre because of Bo, and we have the wonderful benefits of the Montana Rep because of Bo. In many ways, Bo Brown has provided a rich theatrical legacy to all of Montana and provided a wonderful example for young people to emulate.”

Brown spent his undergraduate days at UM in theater and journalism, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1949 and a master’s degree in 1953. He went on to study speech and theater at the University of Wisconsin, where he received a doctorate in 1963.

Brown then spent his professional career in educational theater. For nearly half a century, he chaired theater departments at UM; Ithaca College in New York; Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla.; and Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Brown chaired the UM theater department from 1956 to 1969. During that time he established the Masquer Summer Theater and created and implemented both the Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in theater at the University.

In 1960 Brown and his wife, the late Margery Hunter Brown, who later became a UM law professor, established the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, which they ran for eight years. Today, many UM drama/dance students continue to gain professional experience through the Bigfork theater.

In 1967 Brown launched the inaugural season of the Montana Repertory Theatre, which today is recognized as one of the leading theatrical touring programs in the nation.

Brown also was an instrumental founding member of the Montana Arts Council, which continues to engender and promote artistic endeavors across the state.

Brown retired in 1995 and returned to Missoula in 2006.