Coleman A. Jennings, born in 1933, earned his BFA and MFA from the University of Texas at Austin and his doctorate from New York University. A teacher, administrator, director, playwright, author, producer, and stage manager, Jennings joined the UT faculty in 1963 and served as chair of the UT Department of Theater for 12 years. He directed more than 20 productions at UT and successfully campaigned to require theater arts education for all Texas elementary schools.

Six Plays for Children by Aurand Harris: Biography and Play Analyses by Coleman A. Jennings was published by the University of Texas Press in 1977. Dr. Jennings has edited eight anthologies of plays for young audiences and, with his wife Lola H. Jennings, has coauthored Braille: The Early Life of Louis Braille and a book on drama in the elementary school classroom.

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In 2004, the UT Department of Theatre and Dance produced Jennings' play The Honorable Urashima Taro during a national children's theatre symposium held at the university in honor of his 40th year on the faculty. He served as president of the Children's Theatre Association of America and has earned numerous awards for education and achievement.

 

Similarly, in April of 2018, The UT Department of Theatre and Dance held a two day symposium honoring Dr. Jennings on his retirement.  A video of highlights of that event was compiled by his son and can be found here.