Evansville’s theatre community is mourning the loss of Dick Engbers, a visionary artist, devoted mentor, and the original Artistic Director of the Evansville Civic Theatre. Often regarded as the patriarch and architect of modern theatre in Evansville, Dick’s influence stretched far beyond the stage—his passion, leadership, and creative brilliance helped shape generations of performers and arts lovers alike.
Dick’s journey with the Evansville Civic Theatre began in 1965 when he was cast as Yellow Feather in Little Mary Sunshine. What started as a love for performance soon blossomed into a lifelong commitment to the arts. Over the next decade, Dick worked tirelessly as both an actor and director, playing a vital role in securing the theatre’s permanent home on the corner of Fulton and Columbia. His vision and dedication transformed the old Columbia Theatre—once a Beer Garden—into what he proudly named “The Glittering Gem of Fulton.”
In 1977, Dick became the theatre’s first full-time, professional Artistic Director, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2004. During his tenure, he elevated local theatre to new heights, introducing a level of professionalism and artistic excellence that became the foundation of the Evansville Civic Theatre’s enduring reputation. He was known for his keen eye for talent, his high standards, and his ability to bring out the very best in his performers.
Beyond his achievements, Dick was known for his warmth, humor, and deep love for storytelling. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew him and in the Evansville arts scene he helped build.
Cause of death: Dick Engbers passed away in Evansville, Indiana.
His legacy will continue to inspire, as his spirit lives on through every performance that graces the stage he helped create.
