NCTC’s Next Act

After 45 years of groundbreaking leadership, New Conservatory Theatre Center’s Founding Artistic Director Ed Decker will step down in January 2026 and pass the torch to longtime collaborator and current Artistic Associate Ben Villegas Randle.

“Our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan outlined the need for thoughtful succession,” said Board Chair Cedric Wilson. “We knew it would be nearly impossible to replace Ed. We needed someone who truly understood NCTC’s heart and purpose—and we found that in Ben.”