RIP Diane
Co-founder of Fort Worth's Hip Pocket Theatre has passed away at 80

Diane Simons in her workshop.
A foundational member of Fort Worth theater passed away on January 6. Diane Simons, co-founder of Hip Pocket Theatre, "came to the end of her artful journey" following a lengthy illness, her husband and theater co-founder Johnny Simons announced on Facebook and in an email blast on January 12.
"This uncommonly gifted woman was a devoted wife, mother, and a superb example of a soulfully, loving human being," wrote Johnny.
The obituary he wrote is as follows:
Born May 26, 1944, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she and her brother Clem moved to Dallas with parents Dr. E.C. Rowand and Mary Louise Rowand, both of whom were ministers in the Disciples of Christ Church.
Diane met her future husband, Johnny Simons, at TCU. Together they worked at Casa Mañana and later at the Alley Theatre in Houston. Further on down the road, the Simons taught theater at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Along the way they became parents of two talented daughters, Lorca and Lake, both of whom are theater artists.
Diane was herself a brilliant costume designer, becoming the first living artist to have her designs exhibited at The Kimbell Art Museum.
In 1976 she, Johnny, and their friend Douglas Balentine created Hip Pocket Theatre in Fort Worth, where she served as producer and costume designer until her untimely retirement due to serious health issues. In her day, Diane was a phenomenal artist, creating beautiful costumes out of scraps and unusual materials.
She is survived by the aforementioned family, plus grandchildren River Barley and Cy Dyer.
Rest well, O queen, as you costume the halls in heaven.
Lorca Simons is the theater's producing artistic director, while Lake Simons is the managing artistic director. Hip Pocket recently hired its first-ever managing director, Gianina Lambert, at the end of 2024.
A private memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hip Pocket Theatre in Diane’s memory are requested.