Lloyd George Richards, American theater director, academic administrator. Recipient Pioneer award Audience Development Company, 1986-1987, Frederick Douglas award, 1986-1987, Golden Plate award, 1987, National Medal of Arts, 1993, Mr. Abbott award, 1996; Hoffman Eminent scholar Florida State University, 1997.
Background
Richards was born in Toronto, Ontario, but was raised in Detroit, Michigan. His father, a Jamaican carpenter turned auto-industry worker, died when Richards was nine years old. Soon after, his mother lost her eyesight, he and his brother Allan kept the family together.
Education
Graduate, Wayne University, 1944.
Career
Head actor training New York University School Arts, New York City, 1966-1972. Artistic director National Playwrights Conference, Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theatre Center, Waterford, Connecticut, 1969. Professor theatre and cinema Hunter College, New York City, 1972-1979.
Dean Yale University School Drama, New Haven, 1979-1991. Artistic dir Yale Repertory Theatre, 1979-1991. Professor emeritus School Drama, 1991-2006.
Artistic director Yale Repertory Theater, 1979-1991. President Theater Development Fund. Head actor training School Arts New York University, 1966-1972.
Lecturer, consultant in field. Board directors Theatre Communications Group, United States Bicentennial World Theatre Festival. Member various professional advisory groups, task forces.
Member playwrights selection committee Rockefeller Foundation. Member new American plays program committee Ford Foundation. Member committee on professional theater training National Endowment Arts.
Served with United States Army Air Force, 1943-1944.
Member Society Stage Directors and Choreographers (president), Actors Equity Association, American Federation of television and Radio Artists, Directors Guild American.
Connections
Married Barbara Davenport, October 11, 1957. Children: Scott, Thomas.
Recipient Pioneer award Audience Development Company, 1986-1987, Frederick Douglas award, 1986-1987, Golden Plate award, 1987, National Medal of Arts, 1993, Mr. Abbott award, 1996; Hoffman Eminent scholar Florida State University, 1997.
Recipient Pioneer award Audience Development Company, 1986-1987, Frederick Douglas award, 1986-1987, Golden Plate award, 1987, National Medal of Arts, 1993, Mr. Abbott award, 1996; Hoffman Eminent scholar Florida State University, 1997.