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Special Features

40 Years of A.C.T.: A San Francisco Chronicle Special Series
by Rob Hurwitt

Links to podcasts of these interviews are embedded in each of the following PDFs.

THE LONG RUN Part 1: A "Madman's" Vision
THE LONG RUN Part 2: A.C.T. Finds Its Second Wind
THE LONG RUN Part 3: Loma Prieta Hits
THE LONG RUN Part 4: Plays Make Waves As A.C.T. Rebuilds

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Past Press Releases

San Francisco Loves the "Phenomenal" Tosca Project: Production Extends by Popular Demand

The world premiere production must close July 3. A.C.T. core acting company member René Augesen, Milwaukee Ballet principal dancer Julianna Kepley, and Bay Area ballet dancer Jekyns Pelaez join the ensemble for the extension performances.

World Premiere of The Tosca Project is A.C.T.'s Valentine to San Francisco

Carey Perloff and Val Caniparoli present the history of San Francisco's famous Tosca Cafe through dance and movement -- featuring an all-star ensemble that joins acclaimed dancers from SF Ballet with a cast of renowned actors.

A.C.T. Young Conservatory Presents the World Premiere of Beautiful Child: The Music of Rufus Wainwright

Young Conservatory Director Craig Slaight creates a theatrical tribute from the songs of Rufus Wainwright, presented in collaboration with Bird School of Music.

Final Week of Registration for A.C.T. Young Conservatory's "Spring Madness"

Classes begin May 1 for students as young as eight.

M.F.A. 8 Gives First Public Performance in Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind

A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program class of 2012 takes on marketing duties for its first production as part of new project supported by The James Irvine Foundation.

Round and Round the Garden Takes a Comedic Look at Love and Marriage

Tony Award winner John Rando directs the ensemble piece by award-winning British playwright Alan Ayckbourn.

Anika Noni Rose Headlines A.C.T. Season Gala, the Crystal Ball

Acclaimed A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program graduate to perform at black-tie event, which benefits A.C.T. Conservatory. AT&T is presenting sponsor for Crystal Ball, which takes place Sunday, April 18, 2010, at Forum, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Riot continues A.C.T. Young Conservatory's International Collaborations

World premiere production also marks third collaboration between A.C.T. M.F.A. Program and Young Conservatory.

Marco Barricelli and Olympia Dukakis Star in Vigil

Award-winning writer/director Morris Panych returns to A.C.T. after his smash hit The Overcoat.

O Lovely Glowworm is a Whimsical, Poetic Ride

A.C.T. M.F.A. Program takes on imaginative play by Glen Berger.

The Women of A.C.T. Perform The Vagina Monologues

Performers include A.C.T. core acting company members, A.C.T. staff, A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program students, and Bay Area actresses. Spearheaded and produced by M.F.A. Program students, the event benefits La Casa de les Madres women's shelter in San Francisco.

Phèdre Audience Exchanges to Feature Pulitzer Prize-Winning Composer David Lang and UC Berkeley Professor Timothy Hampton

A.C.T. offers two special guest appearances at the Audience Exchanges scheduled in conjunction with Jean Racine's Phèdre.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle Gets the John Doyle Treatment

Production features a world premiere translation by A.C.T. Associate Artist Domenique Lozano and original music by San Francisco composer Nathaniel Stookey. Cast features the A.C.T. core acting company alongside A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program students and graduates.

"A Landmark Celebration" A Huge Success At A.C.T.

Over 3,500 attendees line up around the block for the centennial open house event. Phèdre $19.10 sale extended for 24 hours on January 13.

A.C.T. Successfully Completes $30 Million Dollar Fundraising Campaign

The Next Generation Campaign achieves goal ensuring strong financial foundation for artistic excellence and world-class actor training.

A.C.T. Announces $19.10 Landmark Celebration Sale

Discounted Phèdre tickets for all dates and sections on sale during the January 9 open house event.

A.C.T. Takes on Great Tragic Heroine with Racine's Phèdre

World premiere translation by Timberlake Wertenbaker marks first-time coproduction with Canada's Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang returns to A.C.T. with another original score.

"Architecture in Windows": Union Square Dresses Up for the Holidays

Internationally acclaimed architecture firms create one-of-a-kind installations in empty Union Square storefronts.

Mamet Writing Contest Winners Announced

Eleven winning scripts selected from 45 entries from around the country.

David Mamet's November Extends by Popular Demand

The West Coast premiere production to run an extra week through November 22.

A.C.T. Ushers in the Holidays with A Christmas Carol

With advance sales 45% over last season, early purchasing is recommended. James Carpenter is joined by A.C.T. core acting company members along with a multigenerational cast of actors from A.C.T.'s Master of Fine Arts Program and Young Conservatory.

A.C.T.'s Young Actors Take On McDonagh's The Cripple of Inishmaan

W. D. Keith directs the Young Conservatory production of celebrated play November 6-14, 2009, at Zeum Theater.

Come One, Come All: A.C.T. Opens its Doors to the Public for "A Landmark Celebration"

Free open house to celebrate the 100th birthday of A.C.T.'s historic home on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Free backstage tours, theatrical craft demonstrations, and special guests.

Souls Adrift: Stravinsky's Soldier's Tale

Two great Bay Area conservatories collaborate to bring a modernist masterpiece to life.

A.C.T. Announces David Mamet Writing Contest in Conjunction with the West Coast Premiere of November

Winning Scripts Presented in Public Readings at A.C.T.

Brief Encounter Extends Again by Popular Demand

The U.S. premiere of groundbreaking Kneehigh Theatre production to run one more week through October 17.

Her Naked Skin Takes a Personal Look at the Fight for Women's Right to Vote

Cal Shakes Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone directs the A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program class of 2010. This ambitious new play was the first play by a living female playwright to be produced at London's acclaimed Olivier Theatre.

Mamet Looks at the Funny Side of Presidential Politics in 'November'

The West Coast premiere of Mamet's outrageous farce of presidential proportions takes over the A.C.T. stage.

A.C.T. Goes Greener with Bike to the Theater Nights

Valet bicycle parking offered for one performance of each 2009-10 show.

Brief Encounter Extends By Popular Demand

The U.S. premiere of groundbreaking Kneehigh Theatre production to run one additional week through October 11.

Tony Award-nominated Manoel Felciano Joins A.C.T. Core Acting Company

Felciano to take three roles on the mainstage this season and join the A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts program faculty.

A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program Pulls Out the Dancing Shoes for Sweet Charity

One-weekend-only event features M.F.A. Program class of 2010.

10UP Program Sells Out Two Performances in 72 Hours: Program Extended for Full Season

World-class theater at happy hour prices all season long. $10 second balcony tickets available to the first 10 performances, along with happy hour discounts on drinks for the whole 2009-10 season.

World-Class Theater at Happy Hour Prices: A.C.T. Announces 10UP Sale for Brief Encounter

$10 second balcony tickets to the first 10 performances, available only during 72-hour sale, August 26-28.

A.C.T. Exceeds Subscription Goal in Advance of 2009-10 Single Tickets Going on Sale August 9

Orchestra seating limited for single ticket purchases.

Heather M. Kitchen to Step Down as American Conservatory Theater's Executive Director

Heather M. Kitchen, now in her 14th season as executive director at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), will step down from her position at the end of August 2009.

The British Are Coming to A.C.T. with Noël Coward's Brief Encounter

Kneehigh Theatre's groundbreaking production melds film, theater, and Noël Coward songs. This unique theater event commemorates the legacy of A.C.T.'s historic home as a movie theater during its 100th-anniversary celebratory season.

Science Fiction is Not Far From Fact in A.C.T. Young Conservatory's Futuristic Comedy Moontel Six

Acclaimed playwright Constance Congdon commission features the talents of the Young Conservatory's Junior Young Company.

A.C.T. Receives Prestigious Grant Through the Irvine Foundation's Arts Innovation Fund

A $1 million grant creates new program to bring the work of A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program students to the community.

A.C.T. Website Receives 2009 Communicator Award

Marker Seven, the Interactive Agency Behind Redesign of A.C.T. Website Honored

Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo Closes Out A.C.T.'s 2008-09 Season

The newest work by Pulitzer Prizewinning master playwright revisits his seminal one-act The Zoo Story. The celebrated artistic team includes acclaimed director Rebecca Bayla Taichman, Broadway actor Manoel Felciano, and 2009 Tony Award scenic design award nominee Robert Brill.

A.C.T. Young Conservatory Presents the World Premiere of Bright Young People: The Words and Music of Noël Coward

Young Conservatory Director Craig Slaight creates revue from plays and songs hidden in the Noël Coward archive, with special permission from the Noël Coward Estate in London.

Grammy Award Winner Tracy Chapman and Acclaimed Playwright John Guare to Receive Honorary Degrees from A.C.T.

Honorary master of fine arts degrees will be conferred upon Grammy Award-winning musician Tracy Chapman and master playwright John Guare.

Love Takes Center Stage at A.C.T. in José Rivera's Boleros for the Disenchanted

Academy Award-nominated writer returns to A.C.T. with a personal play filled with lush language and imagery.

Visionary New Works, Master Artists, and Reimagined Classics Fill A.C.T.'s 2009-10 Season

A.C.T. celebrates the 100th anniversary of its historic home with star playwrights, directors, and actors.

American Conservatory Theater Presents A Conversation with José Rivera

Koret Visiting Artist Series continues with the Academy Award-nominated author of The Motorcycle Diaries, Marisol, and A.C.T.'s upcoming Boleros for the Disenchanted.

A.C.T. Presents "Glory, Poetry, Immortality: A Special Preview of War Music"

Conversation Event Features Adaptor and Director Lillian Groag, Internationally Acclaimed War Correspondent and Journalist Mark Danner, and Leading Homer Scholar Seth Schein.

American Conservatory Theater Restructures M.F.A. Program

The M.F.A. 8 Combines Full-Time Faculty, Competitive Financial Aid, and Smaller Class Size to Create "Mainstage-Ready" Students.

A.C.T.'s War Music Takes Flight with Groundbreaking Fusion of Language, Music, and Movement

World Premiere Must-See Event Continues A.C.T.'s Commitment to the Development of Large-Scale Fusion Work for the American Theater.

High-Stakes Drama of High School Sports Centerstage in World Premiere of Volleygirls

Rob Ackerman's New Comedy Marks Second Collaboration between A.C.T. M.F.A. Program and Young Conservatory.

A.C.T. Announces 2009 Gala, Illuminate the Night

A.C.T.'s Singular Gala Features Tony Award Winner Judy Kaye and Benefits A.C.T.'s Acclaimed Conservatory Programs. The Black-Tie Event to Take Place Sunday, April 19, 2009, at San Francisco's Four Seasons Hotel.

A.C.T. Presents a Conversation with Opera and Music Luminaries for Koret Visiting Artist Series

Featuring opera impresario Lotfi Mansouri, international opera star Frederica von Stade, and Tony Award-winner Judy Kaye, star of A.C.T.'s Souvenir.

From Mrs. Lovett to Florence Foster Jenkins: Judy Kaye Returns to A.C.T. with Souvenir

One of Broadway's most celebrated singers revisits the role that won her a Tony Award nomination:Florence Foster Jenkins, the tone-deaf diva of New York City.

Russian Masterpiece Philistines Shines in Andrew Upton's New Version

Acclaimed director Richard E. T. White returns to San Francisco with this A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program production. Lunt-Fontanne Fellow Jack Willis joins the class of 2009 in this moving portrait of generational and class conflict.

American Conservatory Theater presents John Guare's Rich and Famous

Acclaimed author of Six Degrees of Separation and The House of Blue Leaves prepares for first major revival with significant rewrites to the 1976 script. Hilarious cast features Tony Award nominated Brooks Ashmanskas, Reno 911!'s Mary Birdsong, Hairspray's Stephen DeRosa, and A.C.T. core acting company member Gregory Wallace.

American Conservatory Theater presents A Conversation with John Guare

Koret Visiting Artist Series continues with acclaimed author of Six Degrees of Separation, The House of Blue Leaves, and A.C.T.'s upcoming Rich and Famous.

The Quality of Life Wins Three 2008 L.A. Ovation Awards, Including Best Play

Laurie Metcalf wins the award for best lead actress in a play, and Jane Anderson also wins for best playwriting for an original play.

A.C.T.'s Beloved Classic Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Ushers in the Holidays December 4-27

Bay Area's favorite holiday tradition returns in Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh's celebrated adaptation. James Carpenter stars as the ornery Ebenezer Scrooge, joined by a multigenerational cast of professional actors from A.C.T.'s M.F.A. and Young Conservatory programs.

A.C.T. Announces Casting Update for The Quality of Life

Laurie Metcalf to perform in full run of production

A.C.T. Young Conservatory Takes a Trip Back to Old Hollywood with My Life in the Silents

The final installment in series of plays written for young actors continues international collaboration with Theatre Royal Bath.

A.C.T. Announces Star-Studded Cast for Jane Anderson's The Quality of Life

Original award-winning cast members Dennis Boutsikaris, Laurie Metcalf, JoBeth Williams joined by Steven Culp and Caroline Lagerfelt.

A.C.T. M.F.A. Program Presents Good Breeding

The outrageously erotic adaptation of Oresteia welcomes OBIE Awardwinning playwright Robert O'Hara back to A.C.T.

Rock 'n' Roll Extends by Popular Demand

The West Coast premiere production to run one additional week through October 18.

Broadway Sensation Manoel Felciano's Homecoming

Tony Award-nominated actor and musician finds the perfect role for his hometown debut.

American Conservatory Theater and Stratford Shakespeare Festival announce a coproduction of Racine's Phèdre

Carey Perloff Directs the New Translation by Timberlake Wertenbaker, Translator for A.C.T.'s Hecuba and Antigone

Tom Stoppard returns to his American home with the West Coast Premiere of Rock 'n' Roll

Production to Transfer to Boston's Huntington Theatre Company with A.C.T. Core Acting Company

A.C.T.'s Young Conservatory Presents The Exam

Famed British comedian Andy Hamilton delivers this dynamic National Theatre-commissioned work to the Bay Area.

Roger Rees stars in acclaimed solo show "What You Will"

July 18-August 9, 2008 at American Conservatory Theater

The A.C.T. Young Conservatory Presents a World Premiere Production I'm Still Standing: A Celebration of the Music of Elton John

May 31-June 21 at Zeum Theater

A.C.T. Pushes the Envelope with 'Tis Pity She's a Whore

Carey Perloff to direct rare revival of John Ford's sultry classic, starring René Augesen and Michael Hayden. Edgy production to include live music composed and performed by underground sensation Bonfire Madigan Shive.

American Conservatory Theater announces final Koret Visiting Artist Series event of the season, "Notes on Music and Theater

Guests include 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner David Lang, Grammy Award-winning Tracy Chapman, and acclaimed alt-rock cellist Bonfire Madigan Shive.

Illuminate the Night Raises Over $725,000

Held at San Francisco's Four Seasons, benefit for A.C.T.'s actor training programs featured Tony Award-Winner Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch.

A.C.T. Presents the First Look New Plays Festival April 11 through April 26 at Zeum Theater

Festival features a new play from Bay Area native Marcus Gardley and the newest version of Lillian Groag's interdisciplinary theater work, War Music.

A.C.T. and Koret Present Internationally Renowned Chinese Performer Wu Hsing-Kuo in One-Time-Only Free Event

Internationally acclaimed performer Wu Hsing-Kuo will be giving a unique presentation at American Conservatory Theater on Sunday, April 13 at 5 p.m.

A.C.T. Presents Revised 30th Anniversary Production of Curse of the Starving Class

New production of Sam Shepard's trenchant look at American Dream features Pamela Reed, who starred in play's world premiere.

Announcing American Conservatory Theater's 2008-09 Season

Highlights include West Coast Premiere of Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll and Edward Albee's Peter and Jerry.

A.C.T.'s Master of Fine Arts Program and Young Conservatory Present The Wendy Play

World-Premiere Full Production of Amy Herzog's Play Directed by Domenique Lozano at Zeum Theater.

A.C.T. Presents Season's Third Koret Visiting Artist Series

Free event will explore "genre bending" and feature choreographer, writer, and director Joe Goode and interdisciplinary theater and video artist Ping Chong.

A.C.T. Rounds Up Area's Finest Comic Actors for The Government Inspector

Inappropriately Engaged Officials, Corrupt Politicians, and Questionable City Council Members Populate Gogol's Timeless Comedy in Acclaimed New Adaptation by Alistair Beaton, U. K.'s "Greatest Living Satirist." Comedy To Be Directed by Artistic Director Carey Perloff.

A.C.T.'s Master of Fine Arts Program Presents Orlando

Tickets on Sale Now!

Winners of David Mamet Writing Contest Announced

Eleven hilarious winning scripts chosen out of over 60 entries from around the country--and the world.

A.C.T. Tackles Big Issues in Fugard's Blood Knot

Charles Randolph-Wright directs powerful South African drama, featuring original music by Tracy Chapman.

A.C.T. Produces World-Premiere of Academy Award-Nominated Screenwriter José Rivera's Brainpeople

Surreal Play of "Poverty, Madness, and Death" by Motorcycle Diaries Writer Plays at Zeum Theater January 30-February 16.

A.C.T. Hires Thomas C. Proehl as New Administrative Director

Current head of Minnesota State Arts Board to begin tenure on February 18.

A.C.T. Announces 2008 Gala, Illuminate the Night!

Benefit celebration, featuring Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch, to take place at Four Seasons Hotel April 6, 2008.

In a Free Event Sponsored by Koret, A.C.T. Artistic Director to Interview Sir Tom Stoppard

Artistic director Carey Perloff announced today that internationally renowned playwright Sir Tom Stoppard will visit San Francisco to take part in a Koret panel discussion on the A.C.T. stage.

In Conjunction with Speed-the-Plow, A.C.T. Welcomes Submissions to the David Mamet Writing Contest

Winning Scripts Presented in Public Readings at A.C.T.!

A.C.T. Goes Hollywood with David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow

Loretta Greco to Helm Biting Showbiz Comedy, to Play January 4-February 3 at A.C.T.

The Search for Tiny Tim Takes Center Stage in A.C.T.'s A Christmas Carol

Adorable Young Actor Completes Cast of A.C.T.'s Holiday Tradition

A.C.T.'s Holiday "Classic of Magic and Change" Returns: A Christmas Carol Plays Dec 5-Dec 23

Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh's Adaptation of Charles Dickens's Holiday Ghost Story Directed by Bay Area Favorite Domenique Lozano; Beloved Production Showcases Actors of All Ages, from A.C.T.'s Young Conservatory, M.F.A. Program, and Core Acting Company.

A.C.T. Young Conservatory in World-Premiere Program by British Playwright Sarah Daniels

Production Furthers Y.C.'s Tradition of International New Play Development, Workshop Exchange.

Studio A.C.T. Director Bruce Williams Resigns

Director of Summer Training Congress and Community Programs Bruce Williams, the founding director of Studio A.C.T., announced today that he would be resigning from A.C.T. after a 30-year working relationship.

A.C.T. and YBCA Present the Tosca Project

Carey Perloff and Val Caniparoli's Innovative Movement-Theater Piece in Workshop Presentations at YBCA Forum October 26-28.

The Rainmaker to Bring Hope and Rain to the Bay Area

Bay Area Favorite Mark Rucker to Direct, René Augesen to Lead Extraordinary Cast in N. Richard Nash's Heartfelt Romance at A.C.T.

Master of Fine Arts Program Actors Tackle The Importance of Being Earnest

Classic British Comedies Directed by Barbara Oliver, Ken Ruta. Plays to Run in Repertory at Zeum Theater October 17 through November 3.

Sweeney Todd Stars to Perform at Plush Room

Special Guests to Join Lauren Molina and Benjamin Magnuson for One-Night-Only Event at San Francisco's Legendary Cabaret Theater.

A.C.T. Extends Run of Sweeney Todd to October 14

A.C.T. Adds 16 Performances to Hit Show's Schedule.

A.C.T.'s Next Generation Campaign Announces Endowment Increase from $25 to $30 Million

$5 Million Increase to Benefit New Works Endowment, Enhancing A.C.T.'s Capacity to Commission, Develop, and Produce New Plays.

A.C.T. Core Acting Company Members Travel to South Africa

Research Trip to Prepare for Their Roles in Athol Fugard's Blood Knot. Stars Steven Anthony Jones, Jack Willis Launch Blog to Record Their Experiences.


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