Darren DeVerna, chief executive of global theatre for Production Resource Group, died May 21 at the age of 60.
DeVerna passed away after a battle with cancer, according to the company. As head of the PRG’s theater division for close to 20 years, DeVerna was responsible for overseeing the scenic technology, lighting, video and projection needs of theatrical productions, and in so doing became a well-known figure in the Broadway, the West End and touring communities.
DeVerna was also a theatrical producer and a partner in production company Grove Entertainment, with credits including “Jagged Little Pill,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Prom” and “The Band’s Visit.”
He began his career in theater as a Broadway stagehand in 1977. DeVerna later joined theatrical lighting company Four Star Lighting and rose up to become its president. The company merged with PRG in 2001.
Jere Harris, chief executive of PRG, credits DeVerna with making the company a market leader through his innovative solutions for theatrical productions.
“Darren was a unique individual in that he was both a great thinker and a doer,” Harris said. “He would spend countless hours thinking things through, then go and execute. Nothing motivated him more than being told ‘This can’t be done.’ He always did get it done.”
DeVerna is survived by his wife Karen and children Tara, Kyle and Bridget,
