Old Globe Props Master Seamus O'Bryan Killed in Hit-and-Run

The Old Globe released the following statement today after their props master Seamus O'Bryan was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle crash earlier today, January 31, 2014. He was 32.

"On behalf of Barry Edelstein, artistic director and Michael Murphy, managing director of The Old Globe; and Christopher Ashley, artistic director and Michael Rosenberg, managing director of La Jolla Playhouse; we pay tribute to our friend and colleague, Seamus O'Bryan.

"It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that we inform you that our dear friend and colleague, Seamus O'Bryan, 32 years old, was tragically killed in a hit and run accident just after midnight the evening of January 30 in North Park. Seamus was on his way home from an opening night at The Old Globe. He was the Stage and Properties Master for the production.

"Seamus began working for the Globe in January of 2011 and became the Stage and Properties Master of the White Theatre in January of 2013. He was smart, funny, dedicated and well-loved by those who knew him. His presence and friendship will be sorely missed by all at the Globe, but particularly backstage where he calmly and with great humor created theatre with actors, fellow crew-members and creative staff. An archery enthusiast, avid sailor, member of the Seaforth Sailing Club, and crew member on various tall ships, he especially enjoyed taking visiting artists sailing to enjoy San Diego's waters. He inspired us to enjoy each moment and to care for each other.

"O'Bryan was also an integral part of the La Jolla Playhouse production staff for nearly a decade. A remarkable artisan, Seamus had a hand in nearly every technical department at the Playhouse, from carpentry to props to wigs. His very first job at the Playhouse was on the running crew for Dracula in 2001 when he was just 19 years old. Since that time, he served on the production team for countless productions, including Zhivago, The Wiz, Memphis and Surf Report. His friends and colleagues at the Playhouse will remember Seamus as a true Renaissance man, who shared his indefatigable spirit, kindness and tremendous talents with everyone around him.

"Seamus was a great humanitarian, generously volunteering his time and energy for a number of different organizations. With Medinet Vanuatu /The M.A.R.C Project-(Medical Aid to Remote Communities), he worked on standardizing birthing practices severely affecting two local tribes, building women's clinic and water treatment facilities to improve their chances of survival; and served on a tall ship that assisted in transporting medical supplies to remote areas in Vanuatu. In 2010, he joined in earthquake relief work in Haiti, and has worked with Habitats for Humanity.

"A Phoenix native, he is survived by his father Bert O'Bryan, mother Marty O'Bryan, and two brothers. He was preceded in death by his older brother Gabriel O'Bryan. Seamus, known to his family as 'Raph' for his middle name Raphael, was the third of four children of a loving Spanish/Irish Catholic family.

"Seamus was reportedly riding his motorcycle east on University Avenue at approximately 12:39am when a car travelling west turned south onto Granada causing Seamus to hit the car. Seamus and his passenger, a friend from out of town, were taken to Mercy Hospital where Seamus passed away. His friend sustained non-fatal injuries. Police are still searching for the car, a light-colored 4-door Cadillac that did not stop at the scene. Police say the car has damage to the driver's side.

"The funeral services will be held in Phoenix at a date to be determined. There will be a Memorial Service to be held at the Globe as well. Details on both to follow.

"Condolences, which will be forwarded to Seamus' family, may be sent to:

Human Resources
The Old Globe
P.O. Box 122171
San Diego, CA 92112-2171
(619) 231-1941 x2103
SParde@TheOldGlobe.org"

Pictured: Seamus O'Bryan at the opening night party for Double Indemnity on Aug. 1, 2013. The San Diego Premiere of Double Indemnity at The Old Globe. Photo by Doug Gates.

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