San Jose Stage Company Artistic Director Honored at Faces of Theatre Bay Area 40@40 Celebration

Randall King, San Jose Stage Company's Artistic Director and Co-founder, was honored last night by Theatre Bay Area at their Faces of Theatre Bay Area 40@40 Celebration held at the SHN Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco. King was feted, along with 39 of his peers, for his tremendous contributions and commitment to the Bay Area theatre community for the past 35 years. Over 150 artists, arts leaders, advocates and sponsors enjoyed an evening of musical performances, backstage tours of A.C.T.'s new Strand Theater and the historic SHN Orpheum Theater, and a silent auction benefiting Theatre Bay Area.

"I am truly blessed to have lived the life of a Thespian, appreciated and supported by Bay Area theater patrons who've been supremely supportive of this effort as were the artists regionally, starving for expression of their craft and the development of their skills," said Randall King, Artistic Director, San Jose Stage Company. "The patrons in our metropolitan region have remarkably fed that hunger for what is coming to be known as the New American Theater movement -- small and mid-sized production teams with strong political perspectives unflinchingly presenting new works by our regional writers."

King co-founded San Jose Stage Company in 1980 where he's cultivated a distinguished leadership role in advancing the development and production of new work by local playwrights, while contributing to the body of new American plays through The Stage's presentation of 47 new works and 14 world premieres in 33 seasons.

Under King's artistic direction, The Stage continues to experience incredible growth, fostering new creative partnerships including a 3-year partnership with El Teatro Campesino, and an international co-commission/co-production collaboration with Dublin, Ireland's City Arts Office.

King has elevated The Stage's artistic excellence through his choice of programming and collaborations, garnering numerous awards and recognition for edgy and innovative productions, and as a director drawing high quality performances from his actors. In addition to his artistic leadership and directing credits, King has an award-winning acting career in theatre, film and television. King also serves on the board of directors for San José's College of Adaptive Arts.

Theatre Bay Area is the largest arts service organization of its kind, is celebrating its 40th anniversary by honoring 40 theatre artists, supporters and champions that have changed the face of Bay Area theatre. Theatre Bay Area supports the radical creativity of its members with unparalleled access to educational, financial and professional resources.