mission statement
board of directors

Lisa Steindler
Lisa Steindler has served as Encore’s Artistic Director since 1994. During her tenure, she has established Encore’s focus on new works and emerg- ing playwrights. Lisa’s influence on Encore’s work has been seen in her roles as producer, director, actor and leader. With roots on the stage, Lisa has been seen in roles around the Bay Area for years, including her portrayal of the “Angel” in A.C.T.’s production of Angels in America and her role as “Adele” in Encore’s production of Five Flights. Her directorial credits include the world premiere of Darwin’s Finches. But Lisa’s work is also reflected in her direction of American Conservatory Theatre’s ART- REACH program, in which she brings professional theatre experience and understanding to Bay Area public high school students. Lisa was recently also named Artistic Director of New Plays for Z Space Studios, opening new avenues for and supporting Lisa’s commitment to collaboration in the theatre and the expansion of opportunities for new works to thrive in San Francisco and beyond. With her M.F.A. in Acting from A.C.T., and her B.A. in Theatre from the University of Vermont, Lisa Steindler brings a rich and varied experience to Encore Theatre Company.

James K. Faerron
James’ theatrical career began in Miami, Florida where he worked as Technical Director and Resident Set Designer for the Actor’s Playhouse and the Area Stage Theatre Company. In 1996 James served as the Production Manager and Technical Director for San Francisco’s Magic Theatre where he met Lisa Steindler. He has been a part of Encore Theatre ever since. As a producer James’ main focus is to develop new plays in intimate settings, providing the privileged opportunity to produce and/or design the scenery for the World Premiere’s of some of North America’s hottest playwrights and theatre artists, including: Octavio Solis, Adam Bock, Philip Kan Gotanda, Erin Cressida Wilson, Denis Johnson, Adam Rapp, Loretta Greco, Naomi Iizuka, Greg Sarris, Claire Chafee, Dave Eggers, Lee Fondakowski , Jessica Hagerdon, Joseph Chaikin and Sam Shepard. His Scenic Designs have been recognized in both coasts. Locally, he’s been awarded the Bay Area Critics Circle Award for Best Scenic Design and three Dean Goodman Awards. James is also the Resident Set Designer for Campo Santo at Intersection for the Arts, a Technical Director, Equity Stage Manager and the Instructor of Technical Theatre and Design at San Francisco University High School.