Patricia White, a pivotal figure in New York’s Black Theatre community, passed away on August 10, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and artistic contribution.
Patricia White: A Pillar of New York’s Black Theatre Community
Patricia White, the long-time company manager of Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre and a well-known figure in New York City’s Black Theatre community, died on August 10 after a brief illness. She had been hospitalized and released for physical therapy to the University Rehab Facility in the Bronx, NY, where she passed away at the age of 77.
A Multifaceted Career
Widely known as “Pat,” she was a director, mentor, producer, backstage coordinator, grant writer, box office manager, and administrator. Her comprehensive understanding of the theatrical process helped shape countless productions and careers.
Early Life and Education
Born in Brooklyn in 1948 to Martin White, a Naval Officer, and Adelle Randolph White, Patricia faced early adversity with the loss of her father at seven. The family moved to Louisiana and Mississippi before returning to New York. She attended the City University of New York, earning a B.A. in French Literature, where she developed a passion for French writers and philosophers, becoming an avid reader of Charles Baudelaire, Albert Camus, and Frantz Fanon.
Beginning of Her Theatre Journey
Patricia’s theatre career began at 17 with an internship at The American Place Theatre, where she worked under noted producers Wynn Handman and Julia Miles on productions featuring soon-to-be-noted Black playwrights such as Ed Bullins and Phillip Hayes Dean.
Significant Contributions
At the Public Theatre, she ushered for the historic Pulitzer Prize-winning No Place To Be Somebody by Charles Gordone and later became Assistant House Manager. White served as Project Coordinator for the Frank Silvera Writer Workshop for 13 years, collaborating with remarkable talents like Amiri Baraka and Richard Wesley.
A Mentor and Advocate
As a natural mentor, she became a guiding light for emerging voices in theatre, dedicating herself to expanding the reach of diverse narratives and elevating underrepresented voices.
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Legacy at New Federal Theatre
In December 1994, her ultimate mentor, Woodie King, Jr., hired her as Company Manager of New Federal Theatre. Among her most-noted projects was managing the successful 20th Anniversary production of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf. Over 35 years, she wore many hats at the Federal, shaping countless productions.
Directing Achievements
Her directing projects included The Sty Of The Blind Pig and Root of Aggression. In 2009, she was nominated for a Vivian Robinson AUDELCO Pioneer Award for Innovation in Directing and Sound Design.
Memorial Service
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, August 18 at 6:30 PM at the SGI-USA, 7 East 15 Street, New York, NY 10003. It will be livestreamed on Zoom. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to New Federal Theatre.
