Walden P. Boyle, 94; Founder of UCLA Theater Department
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Walden P. Boyle, 94, a founder of the UCLA department of theater arts, died Tuesday of complications from surgery at UCLA Medical Center.
Boyle joined the UCLA faculty in the 1943-44 academic year as a lecturer in the English department. Until 1947, the work of drama majors was part of the English department, and Boyle and one other faculty member did that work.
They directed all the plays, occasionally built scenery and lighted productions. After the department of theater arts was founded in 1947, Boyle directed its first production: “The Wanhope Building.” He also developed the department’s one-act play program, which required theater majors to write, direct and act in original plays.
After 32 years of full-time academic service, in which he also served terms as department chairman, he took emeritus status in 1976.
Boyle was born in Winside, Neb. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Oregon and served as a drama instructor there.
He earned his master’s and doctorate at Cornell before going to UCLA.
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