He was a catalyst for some of the fine relationships between the races here, and he did it through theater… – Darwin Mendoza

On Tuesday May 31, 2005, founder and artistic director of Fort Worth’s Jubilee Theatre, Rudy Eastman, passed away at his home. He was 60.

Founded by Rudy Eastman in Fort Worth, Texas on June 19, 1981, Jubilee Theatre is the original home of African-American theater in North Texas. Once a traveling group of performers, Rudy Eastman lead Jubilee Theatre to become a $300,000+ a year arts group and the most respected and oldest African-American drama group in North Texas. Through his guidance, Jubilee Theatre embarked on an educational outreach program that is responsible for touching the lives of over 38,000 FWISD students and has been rated by numerous local publications as one of the best theaters in all of North Texas.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Eastman’s survivors include his father, Homer Eastman; and two brothers, Oliver Eastman, and Kenneth Eastman.

Funeral

Information provided by The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

  • 11 a.m. Saturday at the Round-Up Inn in the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall at Will Rogers Memorial Center.
  • In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Rudy Eastman Fund, c/o Jubilee Theatre, 506 Main St., Fort Worth 76102.