Hailed by The New York Times upon his death in May as “pioneer in theater design and technology who helped bring automation to stagecraft,” George Izenour ’34 will forever be remembered for his inventions that changed the t heatre la nd sc ape, includ ing “a n electronic dimming system for stage lighting, the first of its kind.”

Known as the Izenour system, the 1947 invention was but one in his 94 years of life. He also designed a similar concept “in scenery work, inventing an electronic winch system to move scenery by remote control,” the Times reported. Harvard University later requested a specially designed theatre that could change from a thrust stage to the Broadway-styled proscenium stage. Izenour fulfilled the request, which led to additional requests for convertible stages from around the world.

Corwin Georges, professor of theatre and dance, fondly remembered Izenour. In addition to presenting him the Ohio Theatre Alliance’s Award for Distinguished Contributions, he also traveled with him to various theatres and shared an alumni program with him.

“When I was with Mr. Izenour, I always noted that he embodied the qualities that we want our graduates to possess,” Georges said.

“He was a thoughtful, ethical, articulate Renaissance man, and he will be dearly missed.”