Joe Allen Brown is a pillar of Fort Worth’s theatre community and is in his 48th year at Texas Wesleyan University, where he has served as Chair of Theatre Wesleyan, Dean of the School of Fine Arts, and Dean of Freshmen. An award-winning educator and designer, he has led and supported countless arts organizations across the region and is the only person to receive three honors from the Live Theatre League of Tarrant County, including the Elston Brooks Lifetime Achievement Award, the Theatre Advocacy Award and recently the Outstanding Theatre Arts Educator Award. He was also recognized last spring by the Slaughter Family Arts Awards for their Leticia Gray Award for dedication to theatrical arts and theatre education.

Joe has designed and directed for area theatres including Circle Theatre, Jubilee Theatre, Amphibian Theatre, Stage West Theatre, and Artisan Center Theatre. He is currently the Vice President of the Board for Jubilee Theatre but in his tenure at Wesleyan he has also served on the board for Stage West, Shakespeare in the Park and Arts 5th Avenue.

Affectionately known as “Papa Joe” and “Pro Joe,” he takes greatest pride in the generations of Theatre Wesleyan students who have gone on to shape stages, classrooms, and communities throughout the metroplex and beyond.

The Heart of Gold Awards celebrates community leaders who have made a difference in the arts community. Each honoree illustrates Arts Fort Worth’s values of authentic passion and intentional equity. Their impact through the arts makes Fort Worth a vibrant and welcoming community.

Come join Joe and the other award winners for a special reception on Friday, Feb. 27th at 6pm at Texas Wesleyan University. Tickets are available at https://www.artsfortworth.org/summit/heart-of-gold/.