Aubrey Hampton, co-founder of Gorilla Theatre and inspiration to many in the Tampa Bay area theatre community, passed away Monday, May 9th at the age of 75.

Many people in the area have been inspired by Mr. Hampton, both in the arts and in environmental protection. He co-founded Gorilla Theatre, and named the organization after an endangered animal as a metaphor for theatre’s fight to remain meaningful in modern society. He also owned a natural hair and skin product manufacturing company.

Tributes and condolences for Mr. Hampton peppered Facebook on Monday and Tuesday as friends, local theatre companies, and many actors, directors, crew, and others who were influenced by Mr. Hampton shared their feelings about the great loss felt by Tampa Bay’s theatre community. One could say this is a standing ovation for a life well played.