George Sorensen

October 11, 1936 - July 23, 2018

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George was born on October 11, 1936, in Dallas, Texas to George Wendell Sorensen, Jr. and Georgia Louise Hefner. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Education from Baylor University in 1957, a Master of Arts in Speech and Drama from University of Colorado, Boulder in 1966, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Speech and Dramatic Arts from University of Missouri – Columbia in 1976. He continued post-doctorate education at the Warnborough College in Oxford England in 1987.

He taught secondary school in Lubbock, Texas and Abilene, Texas; Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas; Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas; and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas where he retired as Professor Emeritus in 2001. Throughout his career he worked with actors across the country as guest a director of various theatre companies.

Throughout his career, George directed over 100 plays and explored how the art of theatre influenced and impacted society – its norms, its relationships, and its influence on the future. He was recognized by various organizations with numerous honors and awards. He held many offices and positions with state and regional theatre groups – developing actors and teachers that are still impacting the arts and education community today.

George was passionate about teaching and developing future actors, teachers, and dreamers willing to take chances and make bold choices. Some of his greatest performances, however, were in his home and included his beloved granddaughter, Elisabeth.

He was a member of Broadway Church of Christ, South Plains Church of Christ, and Monterey Church of Christ all in Lubbock, Texas.

He was proceeded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Ruth Nell Sorensen in 2016. He is survived by his son, Jon and his caring wife Sarah; and his dear granddaughter, Elisabeth, all of Lubbock.

A celebration of life memorial service and master class will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, 6025 82^nd, Lubbock, TX 79424. He will be remembered as a Christian, Husband, Father, Papa, and Educator. A tribute of George’s life may be found at www.memorialdesigners.net, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.

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George was my inspiration as a teacher, director, playwright and friend. He taught me to look for alternative avenues to the playwright’s artistic goal. George gave me courage to reach beyond the common, the expected, the typical and discover the untold messages between the lines of the script. He inspired within me to reach the “mise en scene” the total and complete scene for the audience and actors. He shared with my own high school and college students amazing ideas that inspired them on many occasions. As an author, playwright, journalist and and father, George taught me all I needed to know to light the stage with creativity and enlightenment. We all miss you George, but your work continues on in our own students. I owe you greatly for who I am as a teacher and director and playwright. Thank you always,Dr Richard D StaffordRstafford2@gsu.eduStafteach@gmsil.com

I will always call you ‘Mr Sorensen.’ You were the first mentor in my life to recognize my talent and to spur me on for the rest of my life. With all my heart I will always thank you ?

Although I did not know George Sorenson, his legacy lives in the School of Theatre and Dance here at Texas Tech. SO many of our alums loved and appreciated his talent, wit, and support, citing that his firm hand and brilliant mind changed their lives forever. I do know that, in theatre programs, one man can make a huge difference. George helped to build this program, and as the Director, I hope his family knows that his legacy will live forever. So much love to the family, and to all those touched by his life.

Jon and family, Your parents were such beautiful lights in this world. I'm grateful to have known them both. You have my deepest sympathies.

Jon ,Sarah and ElizabethYour family is in our hearts and prayers.So many have been blessed by your family and their sharing hearts . A large empty space is left by your Dad's passing. Such a gifted man .Blessings .Don and Donna Wickard

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Jon, I am so sorry for your loss. You were blessed with wonderful, thoughtful and caring parents that loved you so very much!

I absolutely loved him as a professor of theatre at TTU. Always there for his students! What a gift he was for so many! Lynne Duncan Garrott

Wishing his family comfort in this time of sorrow. Dr. Sorensen was a wonderful teacher and guide to me and I know he will be missed by so many that had the pleasure of knowing him. Kentucky Cycle was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I was, and still am, so grateful that I got to be a part of it. I cherish those memories and the time I got to spend with him.

There’s no way for me to express how much the gift of Dr. Sorensen meant to my life. I will be forever grateful.Wishing peace, strength and love to John, Sara and Elisabeth.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.