Been a while since I've had sad news to report, but hoping you can get the word out on the passing of a significant figure in San Antonio's theatre scene of the '60s-'70s, J. Robert (Bob) Swain, founder and artistic director of the First Repertory Company of San Antonio (FRC), who set the bar for excellence in San Antonio theatre and influenced so many involved in it, a number of whom went on to shine in theatrical careers beyond S.A.  

A memorial service took place Tuesday, July 13, 11 a.m., at Weed-Corley-Fish-North, 3125 N. Lamar (at 32nd) in Austin, Texas 78075.

Jaston Williams of "Greater Tuna" fame (and who was on the acting staff with me at FRC in 1972-73) gave the eulogy. Hopefully, the S.A. paper may have more down the line on Bob and First Rep, which was originally located at 110 Chichester in Alamo Heights (just off Broadway at the Austin Hwy. in a Quonset hut that was razed a few years ago) before moving for its final two seasons (the second, minus a paid acting company) into what had been the International Theatre at HemisFair, on the corner of South Alamo and Durango. It was bull-dozed long ago.

 Marianna Blase, Dan Laurence and Bob Jolly on SATCO's memorial page were among local actors involved with First Rep, and David Bowen and Terry Loughery (who later worked with Bob in Austin theatre after FRC folded) were former staff members. The list of living actors/technicians who worked with First Rep would be quite lengthy and too long for me to research and list today. Suffice it to say, it was a bunch!  

Carol Sowa
Former "First Repper"

Obituary

J. ROBERT (BOB) SWAIN -- OBITUARY J. Robert (Bob) Swain died July 7, 2010 in Austin, Texas. The only child of Lucille and William T. Swain, he was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 8, 1928. Bob graduated from high school in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Speech and English from Wake Forest, his Masters of Fine Arts from Baylor and did post graduate work at Florida State. A member of the Marines, Bob served in China at the end of World War II. As Director of the Vanguard Theatre at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Bob was recently honored as its founder at a reunion on the campus. His impressive career included teaching theatre at Trinity University in San Antonio, founder of the First Repertory Company of San Antonio, serving as the Artistic Director of Zach Scott Theatre in Austin and a professor of drama and theatre arts at Austin Community College. Bob always demanded and received the best from his students and performers. Bob was predeceased by his daughter Debby Swain. He is survived by his wife Polly Coffin Swain, his son and daughter-in-law Robb and Lorrie Swain of San Antonio, grandsons Colby, Brandon and Dillon, and the mother of his children Doris Jane Swain of San Antonio. In addition, he is survived by his sisters-in-law Dr. Candi Coffin of Sioux City, Iowa, Michelle Umstattd and husband Dr. Robert Umstattd of Liberty Hill, and brother-in-law Rod Coffin and wife Elizabeth, nieces and nephews Renee, Laura (Bryan), Sarah (Dustin), Rod (Jennifer) and Chris. Bob was an avid reader, a sailor, and a supporter of the University of Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys and Wake Forest Demon Deacons. He will be remembered for his love of family, the theatre, his students and his zest for life. A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice, the American Cancer Society, a Hospice facility, or the Salvation Army are encouraged.