Timothy
Near
Theatre Director
About
Timothy Near is an award-winning freelance director, three-time artistic director and Obie Award-winning actress. She has directed over 80 plays and musicals at theatres across the U.S. including La Jolla Playhouse, New York Public Theatre, The Guthrie, Berkeley Rep, Center REP, and the Mark Taper Forum. She was the first woman to direct at the Alliance Theatre and at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. In her 21 year tenure as artistic director of San Jose Rep, she produced over 120 plays and 20 world premieres. Twice as artistic director, she contributed to the campaign, design and completion of two mid-sized theatres. In addition to an Obie Award for her performance in Still Life at the American Place Theatre in New York, she was a regular guest on “Sesame Street.” She continues to direct and act.
recent...Ongoing...Upcoming...
The Unexpected 3rd Written & performed by Kathryn Grody, directed by Timothy Near. The World Premiere at People's Light Theatre in Malvern, PA, has opened and is a hit! The Philadelphia Inquirer says, "It is inspiring. It is entertaining. It is a gift of laughter, renewed hope, and an appreciation for the art of aging well." Performances are selling out and the run is extended. Tickets and info here.
A big THANK YOU to all the theatres that supported the development of this project: Berkeley Rep's Ground Floor, The Kiln at People's Light, Cleveland Playhouse New Ground Theatre Festival, Martha's Vineyard Playhouse, the Rosendale Theatre in upstate New York, and the Dodger Studios in New York.
Molly Bell's Hysterical, written and performed by Molly Bell, and directed by Timothy Near, was accepted into Theatreworks Silicon Valley New Works Festival, 2024. The three performances had full houses and standing ovations. Followed by a staged reading at the SPACE Theatre in Ukiah. Timothy and Molly have been working together on this rollicking musical since the beginning.
The Road to Mecca received 6 Bay Area Critics Circle Award nominations, including for Best Director, and won the award for Best Production. Thanks to Weathervane Productions & Z Space for their extraordinary support. Written by Athol Fugard, with Wendy vanden Heuval (pictured), Victor Talmadge and Kodi Jackman.
Z Below, San Francisco, June, 2023.
Read about it in Broadway World interview with Timothy and SF Chronicle Datebook.
In the late 60s San Francisco, I was in an independent film called BUSHMAN, directed by David Schickele. It came out – briefly - and then disappeared. 50 years later it has re-emerged in a beautiful restored print and has been playing in film festivals around the U.S. and the world. Now available to rent on Amazon here!
By The Bog of Cats- San Jose REP
“Timothy Near’s no-holds-barred production makes you believe in the religion of live theater.”
-The Irish Herald
Miss Julie- San Jose REP
“Director Timothy Near’s audacious preamble to a classic adds a tingling psychosexual frisson to it. Near has made this convention-flouting play daring all over again.”
-Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle
By The Bog of Cats- San Joes REP
“Then there’s artistic director Timothy Near’s direction—taut, muscular and poetic as the play itself, full of powerful drama and arresting images.”
-S.F. Bay Guardian
“Near wants to carry us away and she does…her diversions are superb and she must get the credit.”
-Minneapolis Star and Tribune
Ghost On Fire- La Jolla Playhouse
“The whole of Near’s production has a sense of truth and quiet ensemble…a gracefully exploratory show, funny and revealing in a sometimes spacey, always rewarding way. How many shows do you know that have the grace and originality to make that claim?”
-La Jolla Light News
A Doll's House- Stage West
“This insightful and passionate production expresses her beliefs and her life with all her directing signatures: her fine hand with actors, her ability to blend pictures and music, her imagination, her energy and her spirit, which shines through every production she creates.”
-Malcolm L. Johnson, Hartford Courant
Epidavros Theatre, Greece
Mrs. Warren's Profession- Cal Shakes
“Ms. Nears version of this classic is an arresting blend of ‘Vicwardian’ decor and modern energy. New York’s Roundabout Theatre…will have to work overtime to top this exemplary version.”
-Terry Teachout, Wall St. Journal
All My Sons- Stage West
“Near’s production gathers power, and as it surges to its wrenching climax, it becomes a searing, shatteringly acted production of this classic American drama.”
-Malcolm L. Johnson, Hartford Courant
