Conservatory Leadership

Jud Williford

Jud Williford

Chair of Theatre

judson.williford@sgv.csarts.net

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Evansville and a Master of Fine Arts from the American Conservatory Theater, Mr. Jud Williford has been working as a professional actor, director, and educator for the past 20 years. As a member of Actors' Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, he has performed in more than 100 productions on both stage and screen. A few of his career highlights include Scapin with Bill Irwin, the first and second national tours of Wicked as Dr. Dillamond, the title role in Macbeth at California Shakespeare Theater, and numerous productions with Tony Award-winning theatre artists at regional theatres across the country.

Mr. Williford's impressive resume of professional experience has inspired his work as a director and teacher. His love for teaching began at the American Conservatory Theater where he had the rare opportunity to act in several plays per season while teaching and directing the MFA students. With this passion, he went on to found and direct the Actors Reboot coaching program, creating several original classes and workshops as well as curriculum that he is now eager to share with the students of our Acting and Musical Theatre Conservatories!

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Ryan Dietz

Ryan Dietz

Coordinator

ryan.dietz@sgv.csarts.net

Mr. Ryan Dietz is entering his sixth season at CSArts-SGV, where he has taught in the Musical Theatre and Acting Conservatories, directed and choreographed productions, and served as Assistant to the Chair of Theatre. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Performing Arts and brings more than 30 years of professional performance experience. His credits include Broadway, off-Broadway, national and international tours, regional theatre, and more than 16 years as a performer with Disney. He has also appeared on television in Reboot, Stumble, and The Orville, as well as numerous national commercials.