San Francisco’s New Conservatory Theatre Center has announced that founder and artistic director Ed Decker, a gay man, will step down in January. NCTC’s board also stated that Ben Villegas Randle, a queer Latine man, will then take the helm as artistic director as the organization enters its 45th year.

NCTC’s board made the announcement October 8.

The company champions queer theater productions. Decker started NCTC in 1981 as a progressive arts education program for young people. It has since grown into a nationally-recognized organization, a news release noted. During Decker’s leadership, NCTC has produced hundreds of productions, including over 40 world premieres, served thousands of students through its on-site and touring programs, and provided career opportunities to many artists an

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