A.C.T. Associate Artistic Director Mark Rucker Passes Away

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Artistic Director Carey Perloff released the following statement on the passing of A.C.T. Associate Artistic Director Mark Rucker:

"The A.C.T. community is mourning the passing of our beloved Mark Rucker. He was a treasured friend, an inspirational colleague, a brilliant artist and an extraordinary mentor to generations of young theater artists. We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark's family and his friends around the globe."

Mark Rucker has directed A.C.T. mainstage productions of Mr. Burns, a post-electric play; Maple and Vine, Higher, Once in a Lifetime, Marcus; or The Secret of Sweet, The Rainmaker, and The Beard of Avon; Luminescence Dating at Magic Theatre; and several of A.C.T.'s Masters of Fine Arts Program productions. He was an associate artist at South Coast Repertory Theatre, where he has directed more than 20 productions, including world premieres by Richard Greenberg, Christopher Shinn, Annie Weisman, and Culture Clash. Other regional credits include work at Yale Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Arena Stage, Intiman Theatre, and The Old Globe. He has also worked with such Bay Area companies as California Shakespeare Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and SF Playhouse. His feature film, "Die, Mommie, Die!," won a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Details on a memorial service will be announced at a later date.