Award-winning Eckman, 30, got early start in drama

J. Michael Parker EXPRESS-NEWS STAFF WRITER  

Publication Date : December 6, 2006

Drama was an all-consuming passion for Micah J B Eckman, the San Antonio Jewish Community Center's cultural affairs director for the past two years.
Eckman, 30, died in his sleep Sunday morning.

Born in Houston, Eckman moved to San Antonio with his family at age 4, said his mother, Trina Major. He attended Alamo Heights public schools, graduating from Alamo Heights High School in 1993. After studying drama at Abilene Christian University for three years, he moved to San Francisco for about a year before returning to San Antonio.

The drama bug bit Eckman at age 4 when he sang solos in a number of children's programs at the Sunset Ridge Church of Christ, his mother said.

"He'd sing lead solo in front of a congregation of 500 people," Major said. "I'll never forget the time he sang 'Tomorrow' and had everyone in the church in tears. He got a standing ovation, and I think that's when he was hooked."

Even before starting school, she said, he would make up plays and get his playmates in the neighborhood to rehearse and act the parts, then sell tickets to their parents.

His acting ability won him popularity in middle school and high school, she said.

While in San Francisco, he acted in plays. And when he returned to San Antonio, he acted in and directed plays at the San Pedro Playhouse, the Church Bistro & Theater and various other venues before joining the Jewish Community Center about three years ago, his mother said.

Frank Latson, artistic director of the San Pedro Playhouse, remembered Eckman as "a very talented young man" and said he had looked forward to seeing his acting and directing work for years to come.

Eckman won numerous Globe awards from the San Antonio Theater Arts Council in both lead and supporting roles.

"He loved the children he worked with and directed at the JCC," his mother said. "He'd help them get into certain colleges and into plays. He brought out their dramatic and musical abilities, and he often took children from nothing to stardom."

Jewish Community Center chief executive officer Sol Levenshus said Eckman had worked in the agency's camping, children's and youth programs before becoming cultural affairs director in 2004.

"Micah was an important member of our team. We love him, and we'll miss him," Levenshus said.

jparker@e*****-news.net

 

Micah J B Eckman

Born: July 1, 1976, in Houston

Died: Dec. 3, 2006, in San Antonio

Survived by: His mother, Trina Major, and his stepfather, Jim Major, both of San Antonio; a sister, Selah Major of San Antonio; and his grandparents, J B and Evelyn Cox of Columbus.

Service: Private graveside service for the family today.

Memorial: 1:15 p.m. Sunday at St. Francis Episcopal Church. No reception.