08/12/2026
We are heartbroken by the passing of Paul Werner—a true light in our community, an unfailingly supportive educator and artist, and the kind of person who always showed up. As a Goat in the Road board member for ten years, Paul helped shepherd the company through significant change. We feel incredibly lucky to have benefited from his passion and expertise. He was always game, always excited about the big things (new shows!) and the small (Bingo night!).
His career includes so many remarkable stories: from performing in ‘One Mo’ Time’ for a year in the French Quarter and starting the Media Arts department at NOCCA, to being part of a cast arrested in the early 70s during a production of ‘Marat/Sade’ for “indecency.” He was a master of touring, miming, and puppetry—but more than anything, he supported new shows and artists. We talk often about the meaning of community in our work, but true community members are defined by their presence. That was Paul.
We are deeply grateful for his life and work, and send our thoughts to his family, friends, and the hundreds of students he inspired.
