Brian Canup worked in the Long Beach Playhouse’s box office since 2010. In addition to serving as box-office manager and patron services manager, he also acted in numerous productions and worked as a sound designer and assistant director.
“Many of you will know him from your experience buying tickets, getting comps and/or enjoying our champagne gala events,” states the press release. “He was, quite literally, the face of the Playhouse for several years.”
Canup also worked as an actor on many Playhouse productions, including Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Our Town, And Then There Were None and Vigils. Additionally, he served as a sound designer and assistant director. “He had just completed a wonderful sound design for Deathtrap,” the press release states, “and was just cast in our upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing.”
The Playhouse referred to Canup as “a true theatre person” who had devoted his life to his chosen art form. “He was a man taken too early but lived every moment on his terms and doing what he loved,” stated the press release. “We are going to honor his memory, as we know he would have wanted, and continue to create the art we did together. At the risk of sounding trite, which Brian hated, the show must go on.”
Canup is survived by his mother, Dori Jefferis; grandparents, Francis and Clarence; siblings, James and Jaymi; girlfriend, Anna Heather McKie; and countless coworkers, fellow artists, and friends, according to the Playhouse.
Services will take place Friday, Jan. 24 at High Desert Funeral, 16545 Bear Valley Rd., in Hesperia, Calif., from noon to 3pm. Viewing will be from noon to 1pm.
His family is requesting that, during the service, friends share stories about Canup. Dress will be casual.
The Long Beach Playhouse will also host a tribute to Canup on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 2pm to 5pm. Attendees will gather on the mainstage and share stories and remembrances then adjourn to the gallery for light hors d’oeuvres and Champagne. Those in attendance are welcome to bring a dish.
Those wishing to express condolences may contact Canup’s family at: Dori Jefferis, 14633 Kimberly St., Adelanto, CA, 92301.
