Brad Erickson

2016 Honoree - Alene Valkanas State Arts Advocacy Award

Biography

Brad Erickson serves as executive director for Theatre Bay Area, one of the nation’s largest regional performing arts service organizations, with more than 320 theatre and dance company members and some 2,200 individual members. For thirteen years, Erickson has led the organization’s efforts to support, promote, and advocate for the region’s vibrant theatre and dance community. Under Erickson’s leadership, Theatre Bay Area has gained a national reputation for innovative programs and services for the field, and their nationwide study on the intrinsic impact of the theatre experience on the audience is a leading example. For six years Erickson served as president of Californians for the Arts (CFTA) and California Arts Advocates (CAA). He currently serves as Treasurer of both CFTA and CAA and as California State Captain for Americans for the Arts, and is the past Chair of the State Arts Action Network. Also a playwright, Erickson’s plays have won several awards and have been produced in theaters from San Francisco to Indianapolis. Erickson received a BFA in acting from the Goodman School of Drama (now The Theatre School) at DePaul University.