Noble Thomas Dinse

How do you write an obituary for a man of all seasons? Someone who would take on any theatre scenic design prospect and bring it to incredible, colorful, unique life? He designed theatre scenery, props, lighting, costumes, posters and just about anything needed for theatrical presentation. Everyone who knew him or worked with him knew he was a man of amazing talent.

Noble Thomas Dinse was born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 26, 1945. He attended school in Corvallis, Oregon, and in high school found his niche in theatre under the tutelage of a drama teacher, Bonnie Jean Varner. She found a way to open his creative pockets - which were many - and not only was he an accomplished actor that was displayed all his creative life, he began designing scenery as a junior in high school.

He was an incredibly gifted artist in about every medium, and those many experiences led him to the University of Portland and Portland State University under the mentorship of Kermit Shaffer. He earned his BA and MA in Scenic Design. He was hired right out of college at Humboldt State University, and then was hired the following year at CSU, Stanislaus, where he remained until his retirement in 2007.

During his theatre years, he designed for the following theatres on a regular basis: Modesto Performing Arts, Sacramento Music Theatre now Sacramento Broadway Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Merced College, Playhouse Merced, Stockton Civic Theatre, small theatres in New York, Connecticut, London, and Germany.

Besides his theatrical work at CSUS, he was a private artist who worked in many mediums. Noble retired in his early 60s so he could focus on his private art work. Among his many accolades, in 1978, he and his wife, Sandra, started their first community theatre company: Central California Conservatory Theatre - CCCT - and, in 1995, it became Theatre on the Square also known as Merced Center for the Performing Arts. It is now called Playhouse Merced, in Merced, CA. 48 years later, their legacy lives on. He designed every single show for this theatre.

In addition to designing, he was a talented actor. Two key roles included Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" and the one he was most known for: Tevye, the dairyman in "Fiddler on the Roof," a role he was hired to do five different times. He was a talented actor, and Tevye was his favorite role.

He was an amazing man and a consummate artist. The world lost his presence on February 12, 2025. Noble leaves behind his loving wife and soulmate, Sandra. They were married 48 years, and had a very loving and happy marriage. They have two daughters: Juliette Charter of Weed, CA; and Mara Davis, of Boise, Idaho. He enjoyed five grandchildren: Miles and Seth Charter; and Kai, Jace, and Savannah Davis.

Please join us in gathering to celebrate his colorful life on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, from 4-6 pm at CSU, Stanislaus in Turlock, CA. Festivities will be on the main stage in the theatre department. Slides of his productions will be shown so attendees can see the level and complexity of his theatrical works. Some of his artwork will be on display, also. There will also be some fun surprises that represent his more jovial side.

The Celebration of Life: Noble Dinse is open to anyone who wishes to attend. CSU, Stanislaus, Main Stage - Theatre Department, Turlock, CA, on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. For questions, please email: charterranchc4@gmail.com