Boyd Vance

Boyd Vance (July 9, 1957 – April 9, 2005) was an African American stage actor, director and producer in Austin, Texas. Vance was particularly known for supporting and advancing African-American performing arts in Austin. In 1993 he co-founded ProArts Collective, which he directed until his death following unexpected heart surgery in 2005.

Boyd Vance was born in Houston on July 9, 1957. His spent his formative years in Houston’s Third Ward where he was involved in many activities. Church, school, sports, and music were important parts of his life. He made his way to Austin to attend St. Stephen’s Episcopal High School from which he graduated in May 1975.

After attending Rice University for one year, his love for Austin brought him back where he graduated from the University of Texas in 1983. He then began his professional career as an actor, producer, musician, and eventually began directing and administering arts organizations on behalf of numerous artistic interests, with a special passion for multicultural events. Boyd’s energy was indefatigable. He never met a stranger, nor left anyone without a smile resulting from the encounter. During his career as a professional actor, he appeared in dozens of productions, including "Cabaret", "You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown", "Bubbling Brown Sugar", "Ain’t Misbehavin", "Eubie", "Splendora" and Austin’s longest running comedy "Shear Madness." He also appeared for several years with Austin’s Comedy Troupe, Esther’s Follies and Zachary Scott Theatre’s Project InterAct. Boyd directed over 40 main stage plays and musicals, including "Ain’t Misbehavin", "Purlie", "Blues for an Alabama Sky", "A Raisin in the Sun", "A My Name is Alice", "Joe Turner’s Come and Gone", "Love Song for Miss Lydia", "Big River", "The African Company presents Richard the Third", "Colored Museum" and many others.

His vocal range emulated that of the great vocal stylists. He was a featured performer in hundreds of performances over the years. Boyd had just recently returned from New York City, where he had been asked to be guest soloist at the funeral of Betsy Cronkite, the wife of journalist Walter Cronkite.

Boyd’s collaborative work included Tapestry Dance Company, Ballet East, Aztlan Dance Company, Huston Tillotson University, Austin Community College, ‘Believe in Me’, Dance Umbrella, Ballet Austin, WH Passon Society, AISD, University of Texas at Austin. He likewise conceived and produced many community festivals, forums and cultural events. Some of these events include Soulful Christmas Bazaar, African American Festival of Dance, Tejano Low Rider Festival, United Artists for Peace Silent Auction and Art Fiesta and more.

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