Odyssey of the Stars honors Bo Brown
Published: April 6, 2010
On April 10, the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Montana celebrates the 10th anniversary of what has become the college’s signature scholarship benefit, Odyssey of the Stars – A Celebration of Artistic Journeys, by honoring UM alumnus Dr. Firman H. (Bo) Brown (who earned a bachelor’s in 1949 and a master’s in 1953).
Brown spent his undergraduate days in theatre and journalism. While a student at UM, he appeared on stage in several productions including “Hamlet,” “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” and “Dracula.”
He served as the chair of the Drama Department (now the School of Theatre and Dance) from 1956-1969. During his tenure, he established the Masquer Summer Theater in 1958 and, with his late wife, UM law professor Margery Hunter Brown, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, which the couple ran for eight years.
In 1967, Brown launched the inaugural season of the Montana Repertory Theater with an ambitious statewide tour featuring three plays in repertory: “The Devil’s Disciple,” “She Stoops to Conquer” and “Julius Caesar.”
Brown also established master’s and master’s of fine arts degree programs in drama at the University of Montana and was a weekly arts columnist for the Missoulian and a founding member of the Montana Arts Council.
Brown would go on to teach, direct and work as an administrator at Ithaca College, Rollins College and Ohio State University. He returned to live in Montana in 2006, and in 2008, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts by UM.
Students, faculty and alumni will celebrate the arts at UM and Brown’s illustrious career at 7:30 p.m. April 10 in the University Theatre. For sponsorship and ticket information, call 406-243-4970.
