It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Charles Rolinski, Professor of Communication for Illinois Central College and former Director of the ICC Readers Theatre. He passed away yesterday at the age of 76. Professor Rolinski took over directing the ICC Readers Theatre program in 1977 and continued his leadership of the program until 1999. He directed the program longer than any single person to date, and contributed greatly to the program that we all have come to know and love. A tremendous advocate for our students, Mr. Rolinski kept in touch with a large number of his former students over the years, and also supported and encouraged a new generation of casts with his boisterous laugh, hardy applause, and endless accolades. As his successor in 2001, I knew I had very large shoes to fill. His reputation, using the vernacular of todays students was epic. But his ardent support for RT never ceased during retirement, and his mentorship and guidance in my directing are immeasurable gifts. He would often make visits to the campus just to stop by my office and get an update on the progress of the script and cast roster for the year. He also attended many rehearsals, tour stops, and final performances at ICC. He was consistently among the first to approach the stage post-performance to shower our students with gratitude, appreciation, and endless praise of their hard work. As an ICC student in 1992, I participated in readers theatre as a cast member. That experience changed my life. Professor Rolinski demanded professionalism, perfect timing, enthusiasm for our program and college, and perfectly pressed costumes. :-) Attention to details is what made our programs so memorable. Attached is a special video we produced, honoring the 40th Anniversary of ICC Readers Theatre, from a few years ago. In that event, we celebrated Charles Rolinskis service to the ICC Readers Theatre program and awarded him a plaque. Over 60 former ICC Readers Theatre students-- from all years-- attended, most of which came just to thank Charles Rolinski. It is a fitting tribute to his service, and those before-- and after-- he retired. There are literally thousands of memories this man helped create for an entire generation of ICC readers theatre students. We will sorely miss him. God bless you, Mr. Rolinski. May you soar with the angels-- and bask in the glow of their harmonious music and impeccable attire. vimeo/22028867 ICC Readers Theatres 40th Anniversary As ICCs Readers Theatre program celebrates its 40th anniversary, enjoy a look back at the people and productions that made it memorable.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 17:55:29 +0000
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