First of all I must say that I believe Rex Carleton to be one of the most influential people in my life. As an artist Rex taught me how to follow my instincts and collaborate with all of the artists working on a project with genuine respect, openess, and curiosity. His scenic, and lighting designs along with a keen directorial eye made him a huge artistic influence on the Group Theatre during the many years he was associated with The Group.

Rex was also the consummate Technical Director and head of Production. He oversaw the design and build of over 100 productions at The Group and did so by putting in 80 hour weeks and still he found a way to make everyone who worked on the production, in no matter what role, feel that they were an important part of the team.

Before blessing The Group with his extraordinary talents, Rex built and ran a small experimental classic theatre called Conservatory Theatre Company in the space on Capitol Hill now called The Richard Hugo House. After a couple of seasons Rex sold the space and the rest is history.

Rex designed another theatre that continues to serve theatre artists throughout the Puget Sound region. The Center House Theatre that The Group built in 1991 is still used by many arts groups and was very much the invention of Rex.

I must also say that during some of the leanest times at The Group when staff was giving blood (literally) to keep the doors open Rex was first in line with his arm out. Rex also secretly was donating money to keep payroll intact. His bank rolling of The Group is not well known (because he didn't want it to be). But his spiritual support of the staff of the Group and all of us who created the shows and even our audience was paramount to our success.

Rex Carleton exemplifies passion, heart, collaboration, intelligence, inventiveness, hard work, and honesty. He has a way of demanding the very best of every one he comes in contact with. I grew every day I had the benefit of being in his presence. I cannot attend this event to honor Rex, as I will be in transit to Minneapolis to begin rehearsals for Crowns, which I am directing for the Guthrie Theater. Rex, I love you and am so glad that you are being recognized for your sustained achievement, since you have contributed so much to so many, so selflessly.

Tim Bond Associate Artistic Director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival