When I founded NCTC in 1981, I could never have imagined the incredible journey ahead. What began as a small idea has grown into a joyful and vibrant celebration of queer stories and arts education—a safe space where audiences are moved, students are empowered, and lives are changed. After 45 extraordinary years, I join the Board of Directors in this deeply heartfelt decision to pass the artistic leadership of New Conservatory Theatre Center to someone I trust, admire, and believe in completely.

I’m thrilled to share that Ben Villegas Randle—my longtime collaborator and current Artistic Associate—will become NCTC’s next Artistic Director starting in January 2026. Ben has been part of this family for over a decade as a mainstage Director, Press Manager, and true visionary. He brings immense talent and a deep understanding of what makes NCTC so special. I have no doubt he will honor the legacy of this theatre while guiding it boldly into its next era.

This transition has been in the works for over a decade when Ben was named our first Artistic Associate in 2013. My hope, even then, was that he might one day take my place when I retired. A couple years later, however, he earned a prestigious Drama League Fellowship and relocated to New York where his directing career flourished. When NCTC’s Board of Directors began the search for its next Artistic Director in 2024, it serendipitously coincided with Randle’s return to the Bay Area—and to his artistic home.

Ben is deeply connected to the queer and allied community as well as the mission, values and culture of NCTC. He has been hands-on through both good times and rigorously challenging times and understands the inner workings of this theatre. I have no doubt that he possesses the experience, skill, vision, and passion to carry NCTC forward in a way that balances tradition with innovation in order to write the many new chapters to come.

Thank you for making this dream real for over four decades. Together we have built something truly special and I look forward to stepping into my retirement as your Artistic Director Emeritus.  It has been the honor of my life to lead NCTC, and I can’t wait to see what’s next—with Ben at the helm and all of you continuing to light the way.

With love and gratitude,

Ed