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Rick Dildine
Artistic Director at Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Professional Background
Rick Dildine is a distinguished director and producer renowned for his impactful contributions to the theater community in the United States. He has held various significant positions that showcase his leadership and artistic vision. Currently, since August 2017, Dildine is the fourth Artistic Director of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF), one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the country. In this prestigious role, he oversees all artistic programming, ensuring the festival continues to thrive and resonate with audiences while setting a creative vision that honors the rich tradition of Shakespearean performances.
In 2018, Dildine launched the ASF’s largest commissioning project yet known as the “State of the South” tour and New Southern Canon. This ambitious initiative aims to spotlight 22 new plays that explore transformative moments in the Southern United States, thereby embracing unique narratives that reflect the diversity and complexity of the Southern experience. His innovative approach not only enriches the festival’s programming but also serves to elevate new voices in theater, beckoning a renewed appreciation for regional narratives.
Dildine's commitment to diversity and inclusion is further exemplified through his partnership with Montgomery Public Schools. This collaboration has allowed students to showcase their talents at significant events, such as performing at the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C. His work in this area has received accolades from notable organizations, including recognition from the Society of Directors & Choreographers, acknowledging it as a standout moment for diversity and inclusion within American theater.
Prior to his current role, Dildine was the Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis from 2009 to 2017. Under his guidance, the festival experienced a remarkable growth in attendance by 55% and a revenue increase of 38%. This success was complemented by numerous accolades for the organization, including the prestigious Arts Organization of the Year award from the Missouri Arts Council and the Excellence in the Arts Award from the Arts & Education Council of Greater St. Louis. Dildine's achievements garnered him personal honors as well, including being named “Theatre Artist of the Year” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and being recognized on the “40 Under 40” list by the St. Louis Business Journal.
Education and Achievements
Rick Dildine's academic journey laid a solid foundation for his illustrious career in the arts. He graduated summa cum laude from Ouachita Baptist University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA). Following that, he pursued advanced studies at Brown University, achieving a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting from the prestigious Brown University/Trinity Rep program. His education has equipped him with not only the technical skills needed for theater production but also the leadership acumen that is paramount in artistic direction.
Notably, Dildine also served as the Director of the MFA Arts Management & Leadership program and as an Adjunct Professor within the BFA Performance program at Webster University. His educational contributions extend to teaching and mentoring students at other institutions, including Clark University and Brown University. Dildine’s love for mentorship is apparent as he actively engages with aspiring artists, helping them navigate their journeys in the dynamic world of theater.
His commitment to regional theater and community engagement has seen him travel internationally as part of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) delegations to Cuba and China, further expanding his cultural perspective and enhancing his artistic portfolio. His extensive involvement in grant panels, including those with the National Endowment for the Arts, demonstrates his dedication to supporting the arts at the national level.
Achievements
Rick Dildine's career is decorated with numerous accolades that recognize not just his artistic talents but also his leadership qualities. In 2019, he was honored as a finalist for the prestigious Zelda Fichandler Award by the Society of Directors & Choreographers. This award celebrates Artistic Directors who have made significant contributions to regional theater and showcases his profound impact on the artistic community throughout his career.
His previous leadership at the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis and his continued influence at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival highlights his commitment to fostering growth within the arts. Dildine's luxurious record of accomplishments reinforces the significant role he plays in shaping the future of theater in the U.S., with a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and educational programs that engage communities.
As a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Society of Directors and Choreographers, Dildine remains committed to advocating for the rights and recognition of artists in the theater industry. His journey began in Wynne, Arkansas, where he cultivated his passion for the performing arts, and today he is recognized as a leader who is reshaping the landscape of theater through his innovative and inclusive programming.
Tags
artistic director
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
theater director
producer
MFA acting
Brown University
Ouachita Baptist University
mentorship in theater
regional theater
diversity and inclusion in arts
Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
community engagement in arts
theater education
Kennedy Center
American College Theatre Festival
Irene Ryan Acting Award
Zelda Fichandler Award
Arts Organization of the Year
Arts & Education Council of Greater St. Louis
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