In Memoriam: Rick Malone, Founding Member of Classic Theatre San Antonio, January 18, 2022

(posted by Classic Theatre)

It is with a heavy heart that we share news of the passing of a founding member and former Executive Director of The Classic, an incredible force in our community, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Rick Malone.

“Not only the San Antonio theatre community, but the international world of sound designers will feel the loss of Rick Malone, one of the founders of The Classic Theatre of San Antonio who died on Tuesday, January 18. Although Rick was a major force with The Classic Theatre, he also created sound designs for many other theaters in the community and throughout the nation. Rick had the unique ability to seamlessly blend natural sounds with his own musical compositions to capture the mood of a scene or the quality and ambience of the entire play. Because of his international connections he was able to acquire authentic sound effects and music to create the exact world of the play no matter the historical period or geographic location. If the script called for it, Rick would always find it. We will all miss the masterful sound designs he created.” — Allan Ross, Founding Member of the Classic Theatre

“The board and staff of The Classic are tremendously saddened to hear of the passing of San Antonio theatre great and Classic Theatre founding member, Rick Malone. Our hearts go out to his wife, Diane, and his children, in this difficult time. In the early days of our company, the Malones were instrumental in the planning and day-to-day efforts that kept the theater alive. In later years, they have been lodestars for The Classic, wonderful volunteers, and outspoken supporters of the work created on our stages. Rick’s joviality, technical acumen, artistry and encouragement will certainly be missed, and his valuable contributions will always remain at the core of the theater he helped create and in the hearts of practitioners like myself who worked alongside and learned from him.” — Jimmy Moore, Executive and Artistic Director of the Classic Theatre

We hope you will join us in remembering “Papa Rick” as we send love and support to Diane, their children, and the entire Classic family.