We mourn the loss of Victor Shargai, long-time theatreWashington board chair, theater lover, and philanthropist, who passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2019. For decades, Victor dedicated himself to celebrating theater artists and strengthening the theater institutions in the Washington D.C. region. As a champion and a supporter, he believed fervently in theater's power to transform lives and communities. 

Victor was born in New York City in 1936. He studied acting at the Bristol Old Vic in England and graduated from Queens College in New York. He moved to Washington, D.C. in the sixties to be with his late partner John Aniello, Jr., and began to work with the W. & J. Sloane Company downtown on 7th Street. He quickly became highly regarded for his design work, and in 1973 opened Victor Shargai and Associates, Inc., one of Washington’s most prestigious interior design firms. His projects included countless homes, offices, yachts, and private aircraft for numerous key clients in the Washington area, across the United States, and around the world. He had a loving relationship with his husband Craig Pascal. 

As a board member of several cultural institutions, he played a leading role in the area’s artistic renaissance, which saw the number of professional theaters grow exponentially over three decades, creating a region that now supports more than 200 productions annually. Throughout his decades of work in the Washington area, Victor used his strong organizational ability to connect people and institutions to the boards of many organizations, including The Washington Ballet, Studio Theatre, and Signature Theatre. 

Victor was chair of the theatreWashington Board from 1991 to 2014, and he continued to be involved with the organization until his death. Victor understood how great art can be produced by many different kinds of institutions. He attended and supported both theaters that were producing their first show and theaters that had been producing for decades. He oversaw the growth of the prestigious Helen Hayes Awards and created an annual event that is held in high regard for its elegance and community camaraderie. Through his leadership, the Helen Hayes Awards became a nationally recognized honor to theater artists and institutions. Starting in 2008, he oversaw the changes for the Helen Hayes Awards to change its name and mandate in 2011 to theatreWashington. theatreWashington entered the new decade as a reimangined and reengaged partnership organization for the flourishing theater community. Thirty years ago, there were twenty theaters. Today, there are more than 90 theaters providing over 300 productions, readings, and festivals each year.  

A true visionary, he was one of the Washington area’s most passionate advocates for the arts.  Victor’s lifelong love of and commitment to theater helped transform the DC area into a leading arts and cultural center, promoting community revitalization and nurturing many in the arts.  

A public remembrance is being rescheduled for a later date yet to be announced.

Contributions in Victor’s memory can be made to theatreWashington, a local theater, or charity of your choice.

Victor received the Helen Hayes Tribute Award in 2014. This video was made for that occasion:

Login to post comments

Printer-friendly version