Rhode Island College Theatre mourns the passing of Bob Colonna

Rhode Island College Theatre mourns the passing of Bob Colonna, a longtime adjunct professor and director whose presence shaped our department for years.  His life in the theatre was not simply long—it was deeply rooted, generous, and profoundly influential. For more than fifty years, he gave himself fully to the stage and to the people who shared it, leaving a legacy that reaches far beyond any single production.

As a teacher, Bob was unforgettable. He didn’t simply instruct—he performed, entertained, and regaled students with stories from a lifetime in the business. He challenged them, believed in them, and inspired them to go further than they thought possible. His direction of The Heiress and The Tempest reflected not only his mastery of craft, but his deep faith in the potential of every actor in the room. He had a rare ability to see what others might overlook, and he guided his students toward discoveries that would stay with them long after they left the stage.

We will miss his endless jokes, his show business stories, and his exuberant, larger-than-life spirit. The theatre community—especially here in Rhode Island—has lost a cornerstone. Yet his influence endures, woven into the fabric of the artists, students, and productions he helped bring to life.