Doug Dildine In Memoriam

Both the DVC and 4CD communities mourn the loss of our part time faculty colleague Doug Dildine—an award-winning director, actor, educator, and tireless advocatefor part time faculty. Doug’s artistry, kindness, and advocacy left an indelible mark on our college, district and the Bay Area theatre world.

‍

Doug’s professional career was distinguished and inspiring. He worked with many of the region’s most respected companies, including A.C.T., Berkeley Rep, Berkeley Stage Company, Eureka Theatre, and Magic Theatre. Over the course of his career, he served as Artistic Director of the Town Hall Theatre Co., Martinez Rep, and DEO Ireland, while also contributing as a Production Business Manager for Center Rep. Doug’s love of performance carried him
from improvisation with Paul Sills Story Theatre Co., The Committee, and Now Appearing to street theatre with The San Francisco City Clowns at Fisherman’s Wharf. His screenwriting credits, including the festival- recognized films Black-Eyed Dogs and Hand of God, further showcased his artistic range. 

‍

Yet, for all his accomplishments on stage and screen, Doug’s true calling was teaching. Since the 1990s, he poured his heart into the Drama Department at DVC, where he inspired countless students. Many went on to professional careers in theatre and film, and many more carry forward his wisdom, mentorship, and belief in their potential. Doug’s teaching was consistently described as innovative, compassionate, and transformative—always focused on nurturing the whole student, not just the performer.

‍

Doug’s excellence as an educator earned him some of the state’s highest honors, including the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges Faculty Member of the Year Award (2014) and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors’ Gerald C. Hayward Award for Excellence in Education (2015). He was recognized for his dedication to making theatre education accessible, meaningful, and life changing.

‍

Doug also devoted himself to improving the working conditions and pay for all community college part time faculty. In addition to serving as the Part Time Representative on the Academic Senate at DVC, Doug spent many years serving on the United Faculty E-Board. First as the Part Time Representative for DVC, and then, for more than a decade, as the Part Time Faculty Advocate. A steadfast champion of part-time faculty rights, he worked at both the local and statelevels to improve equity, including his campaign to secure paid office hours for part time faculty. His leadership, persistence, and care for his colleagues have left a lasting impact within United Faculty and across the district.

‍

While we grieve the loss of our colleague and friend, we also celebrate the remarkable life of Doug Dildine. His impact—as an artist, a teacher, and anadvocate—will continue to live on in the lives of his students, the work of his colleagues, and the community he helped to build at DVC and beyond.

‍