Michael Stuart Shere; Activist and Award-Winning Set, Lighting Designer

Michael Stuart Shere, an award-winning set and lighting designer for more than 25 years, has died at the age of 47.

Shere died Aug. 28 in Los Angeles of complications of AIDS.

His work on the Noel Coward play “Present Laughter” earned him Drama-Logue awards for sets and lighting.

Shere also wrote and directed plays, including “Conversation at Taormina” for Purple Stages and “The Outing of Tommy Morgan.”

An activist as well, Shere served on the board and was chairman of the Response Committee of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in Los Angeles. He also worked with Artists Confronting AIDS, the Purple Circuit and the AIDS Service Center, for whom he staged the benefit performance of “Angels in the Square” in June.

At the time of his death, Shere was working on a historical music revue about Los Angeles’ defunct Turnabout Theater.

Shere is survived by his mother, Frances Shere, and stepfather, Joseph Shere.

The family has asked that any memorial donations be sent to AIDS Service Center, 126 W. Del Mar, Pasadena, Calif. 91105.

A musical memorial service is planned.