We lost our best friend, mentor, and adopted brother, Victor Hugo Basso on Saturday evening (Feb 7) from a massive coronery.

It is a great shock, and while we are glad for him that it was over in an instant, it has left a great gaping hole that will take time to repair.

It is safe to say that without his influence and help, South of Broadway and Summer in the City would never have come into being.

Victor Hugo Basso Theatre Legacy Fund Rules and Guidelines:

• This fund is not age restricted.
• Scholarship money is available and will be awarded according to need and artistic merit. Qualification for the scholarship will also include a demanding interview component.
• Application fee: $20.00 (non-refundable): you may pay online here (through PayPal) or make check payable to “Victor Hugo Basso Theatre Legacy Fund” and mail to SOBTC Studios: 1080 East Montague Ave., N. Chas., 29405

Complete rules and guidelines can be found in the application form available for download here.

$20 Application Fee

On February 7, 2009 South of Broadway Theatre Company's dearest friend and mentor, Victor Hugo Basso departed this planet.

2006 "Summer in the City" on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of art. From L-R: back row: Eli Latto, David and William Zhang, Mark Davis, Michelle Query. Front row: L-R: Leanne Agee, Emily Shipp, Kelly Machado, Bailey Koch, Mary Gould, Andres Cladera, VICTOR, Amanda Hogsten

Victor suffered a massive coronary at the home of his boss, Peggy McCay, in Los Angeles. It was over before we even knew what had happened. In the intervening months, to help everyone touched by this loss to cope, and as a way to honor our friend, the Victor Hugo Basso Theatre Legacy Fund has been established. With it we memorialize the generosity of his spirit and his lifelong pursuit of art.

This fund was created as homage to Victor's lifelong love of, and enthusiasm for, exceptional talent. We want to perpetuate for those who will never know him, his spirit of willingness to nurture and develop -- whatever the sacrifice. And he did sacrifice. Often.

Peggy McCay at Victor's memorial in Los Angeles.

2006 "Summer in the City" from left: Maggie Borden, Victor, ANT, Mary Gould

Victor, as the Art Collector in Harry Lennix' 2007 production of "Permanent Collection"

Throughout his life Victor touched and influenced hundreds of artists. He always seemed to know exactly what was needed in any given situation and he always gave it. He was himself a great performer but always gave more of himself to others than he kept for himself.

If you were one of those people lucky enough to have experienced "The Basso Touch" first hand, this is your opportunity to 'pay it forward,' and to make sure that others can continue to be supported by the extraordinary passion he brought to everything he did. Take a minute to this page and use the Pay Pal donation above where you can donate whatever you will. Any amount is helpful and meaningful: $5 dollars or $5 thousand dollars. Your name will be on the list of donors on this page.

2008 Summer in the City, meeting everyone with keys and ID cards in the lobby of Juilliard Residence hall.

Some of the funds will be used this year towards scholarshipping a student to the milestone fifth year anniversary of "Summer in the City." Victor was fundamental in establishing this program. He unfailingly showed up every year - at his own expense - to lend his talent, enthusiasm and wisdom to each year's group of young artists. In future, we expect to make awards to a variety of artists who exemplify and embody the same spirit that Victor showed in practicing his art and and living his life. Guidelines are available on Victor's page. We thank you on Victor's behalf for validating the generous life he lived for people and art.