In Memoriam - Sarah Nash Gates

	Sarah Nash Gates

Sarah Nash Gates, the first woman president of USITT, passed away Friday, December 4.

An esteemed costume designer and member of United Scenic Artist local 829, Gates designed for many theatres and companies over the years, including Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Pennsylvania Opera Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, the Aspen Music Festival, Seattle Children's Theatre, and Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Gates had recently costumed Oliver! and Carousel at 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle.

Raised in Boston, Gates received a bachelor of arts and master of fine arts from Boston University, as well as a master of arts from the University of California.

Gates was member of the faculty of the school of drama at the University of Washington for 30 years. In 1994, she was appointed executive director of UW School of Drama, and even kept teaching after she stepped down in 2014. In 2015, she was made interim divisional dean of the arts.

Robert Stacey, Dean of the University of Washington, says, "Sarah was a vibrant and inspiring presence within the College of Arts and Sciences and throughout the Seattle community. It is hard to imagine Arts and Sciences or Seattle theatre without her. Her legacy to both is enormous."

Gates served as president of URTA from 2007-2010, and was also the first costume designer to hold the office of president at USITT, from 1991-1994. When asked to share her favorite memories at USITT, Gates once said, "It is not possible to have only one: Riding a horse in the banquet as president in Wichita; dinner at Josef Svoboda's home where he and Helmut Grosser reminisced over their many collaborations; the friendships forged in lengthy finance committee meetings, and board meetings; getting to know so many people outside of my usual world."

Gates is survived by her brother Steven Gates, sister Ann Gates O'Toole, three nephews, and a niece.

There will be a memorial service on Monday, February 1 at 6pm in Meany Hall at the University of Washington. The public is invited to attend.

Mourners are encouraged to donate to The Sarah Nash Gates Endowed Graduate Student Support Fund, or the Sarah Nash Gates Endowed Production Support Fund. Information on both funds can be found at www.artsci.washington.edu/sngates, or by calling 1-877-UWGIFTS.