Pear Theatre Announces New Artistic Director

After fifteen seasons of delivering quality, intimate theatre by passionate artists to Peninsula audiences, Pear Theatre founder and Artistic Director Diane Tasca is stepping down. A comprehensive search for a replacement led the Pear Theatre Board of Directors to confirm the appointment of local actor, teacher, and director Betsy Kruse Craig to the position, making her just the second person to helm this small but mighty theatrE. Craig will officially step into the role beginning August 1, for the 2017-18 season.

"Many of us at the Pear know about Betsy's great artistic talent, leadership, and charisma," said Tasca about the appointment. "I have tremendous confidence in her ability to take over the position of Pear Artistic Director, and am looking forward as an audience member and a passionate lover of theater to see what future seasons bring."

Betsy Kruse Craig is an instructor for theatre, speech, and debate at Stratford Middle Schools (San Jose, Fremont, and Santa Clara). She holds a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from University of Minnesota Moorhead and a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting/Directing from University of Arizona. Craig formerly made Tucson, Arizona her home, where she was an adjunct professor at The University of Arizona, teaching acting, directing, voice and movement; and a Professor of Theatre Arts at Tucson's Pima Community College, directing all aspects of the Theatre Arts Department as well as directing and developing a theatre for young audiences program. She was an artistic associate with Tucson's Invisible Theatre for four years, appearing onstage as Perri Rubin in IN THE MOOD, and directing CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION and MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS, among others. Craig currently resides in Sunnyvale with her husband and their children, one of whom is now taking to the stage in her mother's footsteps.

As an actor, Craig has appeared locally as Barbara Weston in Pear Theatre's acclaimed 2016 production of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY as well as appearing in the Pear's productions of ARCADIA and HOUSE AND GARDEN. She has also worked regularly with Palo Alto Players, taking on the iconic roles of Morticia in THE ADDAMS FAMILY (2015) and Mrs. Robinson in the upcoming production of THE GRADUATE, as well as performing in CLYBOURNE PARK and GOD OF CARNAGE. She directed the critically acclaimed production of MAJOR BARBARA last October at Pear Theatre.

"I am thrilled and honored to be Pear Theatre's new Artistic Director," said Craig. "With help from the Pear's dedicated community of artists and audiences, I'm looking forward to using my experience to help guide the Pear into its next era. I believe in the power of live theatre to unite and ignite strength in a community: a community that understands the incredible importance of art in today's world. It's an exciting time in the Pear's development, an exciting time to be at the forefront of its evolution."

Pear Theatre began as the Pear Avenue Theatre in June 2002, under the leadership of Diane Tasca, by a group of theatre artists who believe that audiences are eager for plays that challenge as well as delight and move them. Pear Theatre produces intimate theatre by passionate artists, whether classic works or cutting-edge plays. Now entering its sixteenth season, The Pear attracts theatre artists and audience from all over the Bay Area for its award-winning and high-quality productions; and regularly earns praises, nominations and awards from a multitude of arts organizations.

Pear Theatre moved in 2015 from its original 40-seat warehouse space to a new, state-of-the-art black box theatre close by, with capacity of 75-99 seats depending on the configuration of the production. This exciting move allows The Pear to continue its tradition of intimate theatre while taking on new challenges and opportunities.