After 45 years of groundbreaking leadership, New Conservatory Theatre Center’s (NCTC) 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. Randle’s deep roots at NCTC as a Stage Director and former Press Manager, combined with his bold artistic vision and enduring commitment to the NCTC community, perfectly position him to lead the theatre into its next era.
“NCTC is where I first felt empowered to take risks, to tell stories from my perspective as a queer, Latiné artist, and where I learned how theatre can be both deeply personal and radically communal,” said Randle. “Ed didn’t just create a theatre—he created a home. I’m not stepping into this role to only continue his legacy—I’m stepping in to serve it, to help it evolve, and reach its next promise. I’ve seen firsthand the impact this theatre can have and I believe in its power, not just to reflect the world, but to shape it.”
Decker founded NCTC in 1981, initially as a progressive arts education program for young people and has since grown the theatre into a nationally recognized and locally beloved organization. During his leadership, NCTC has produced hundreds of productions including over 40 world premieres, served thousands of students through NCTC’s on-site and touring programs, and provided career opportunities for the many brilliant artists and educators in the Bay Area. Named a San Francisco Legacy Business, NCTC has become a home for queer and allied art that champions new work, nurtures creative souls, and provides a space where personal and societal transformation through art is not only possible, but also expected.
“This is a thrilling and poignant time for the NCTC family,” said Executive Director Barbara Hodgen. “Ed’s generous spirit infuses this entire organization, and I can’t think of a better person than Ben to carry that forward to a brave new future. Our artists, students, staff, and audience will be in good hands.”
The succession plan was set in motion in 2013, when Randle was named the company’s first Artistic Associate with hopes he might one day take over. That plan paused when Randle earned a Drama League Fellowship and moved to New York a couple years later. But, in 2024, just as NCTC’s Board of Directors launched their search, Randle was already preparing to return to San Francisco and to his artistic home.
“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.”
“From our first meeting, Ben impressed us with his deep knowledge of the organization and his bold vision for the future,” said Vice Chair Christopher Murriel. “During our seven-month vetting process, Ben shared his incredibly thorough plans for continuing Ed’s legacy and we can’t wait to have him step into this role.”
Randle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position as an acclaimed director in both NYC and the Bay Area. He spent seven years directing in NYC, where he received Directing Fellowships at both the Manhattan Theatre Club and Drama League Leo Shull Musical Theatre. Highlights of his work at NCTC include the World Premiere of Salome, Dance for Me (2015), Sons of the Prophet by Stephen Karam (Bay Area Premiere, 2016), and To My Girls by JC Lee (West Coast Premiere, 2025).
“Ben is deeply connected to the queer and allied community as well as the mission, values, and culture of NCTC,” said Decker. “He has been hands-on at NCTC through both good times and rigorously challenging times and understands the inner workings of this theatre,” Decker added. “I have no doubt that Ben 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.”
As NCTC approaches its 45th anniversary in 2026, the organization remains committed to developing and producing queer and allied theatre that gives voice to, entertains, and promotes exploration with joy, curiosity, and boldness. Simultaneously, educating young people and giving them a welcoming safe space for creative discovery will always be a cornerstone of the theatre.
“Ed built a loyal, deeply connected audience—people who return year after year because they feel seen, challenged, and welcomed,” said Randle. “I want to keep that conversation alive, to continue that trust and community. And, at the same time, my goal is to build a home that feels just as vital for the next generations—a home for decades to come.”
The official transition will begin in January 2026. This marks not an ending, but a natural evolution of Decker’s decades of leadership building community through activism, art, and education and a celebration of the exciting future ahead. https://nctcsf.org/
New Conservatory Theatre Center’s Next Act
Published on October 23, 2025
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