Because I love The Pear Theatre, I was very interested in the recent announcement of the selection of its new Artistic Director, Sara K. Dean. “As a multifaceted theatre maker with an incredible record of outstanding Bay Area arts leadership, Dean is poised to deliver a remarkable artistic vision while preserving and continuing the outgoing Executive Artistic Director’s indelible legacy of unique and unparalleled theatrical experiences in the South Bay.”
As Sara K. Dean, the Pear’s new Artistic Director, replaces Pear Executive Artistic Director, Sinjin Jones, in January 2025, they generously agreed to answering some questions for San Francisco Splash Magazine. Read on and learn more.
Can you share something about how it is that your career began on Broadway?
My undergraduate work was at New York University, at Tisch School of the Arts in a program associated with Playwrights Horizons theatre. I focused on acting and directing, but found arts management my junior year and it was an exceptional fit– A mix of artistic vision, along with a pragmatic business sense- a great description of me. My senior year, Disney posted on a NYU job board that they were seeking assistants to the stage management team for their new musical, The Lion King. I worked with the stage management team from their pre-opening NY rehearsals, through the Tony Awards. This was definitely a benefit of studying in New York City. I learned professionalism at the highest level, while also making coffee for the creatives. (Yes, I brought Julie Taylor & Tim Rice coffee).
What brought you to the Bay Area?
I’m a Peninsula kid! I grew up in Foster City, and attended San Mateo High School, which had an amazing theater department. My roots are deep here. After my stint with Lion King, I had picked up some other gigs in NY, but met my husband- who was in the tech world– and Silicon Valley was the place to be. So, we settled back in the bay, and I found various theaters to support.
What is there about the Pear Theater that grabbed your attention?
I’ve followed the Pear for many years, and have watched the shifts from the different Artistic leadership. During my time at SBMT I had the chance to get to know Sinjin, and found his vision for the organization inspiring. Through his dedication to uplifting unique and diverse artistry, he pushed audiences and artists in new ways. Every arts group faces extreme challenges these days. No matter the size, small to large, the standards of audiences and donors are shifting. The Pear is positioned to continue to lead by exploring evocative productions and stories.
What is your vision for the Pear under your leadership?
Ask me again in a year! While I have many initial thoughts and ideas, I’d like to thoroughly understand the history of the organization. I look forward to working with the staff, board, artists and audiences to fine tune the next shape. Theaters are communities, and collaboration is a core principle of the organization, and for me personally!
Is there anything additional that you would like for Splash Magazine Worldwide readers to know about you?
While female-presenting, I identify as non-binary, and enjoy challenging gender stereotypes, particularly in standards of traditional theater. I recently performed with Palo Alto Players in The Music Man, as part of the barbershop quartet. The representation was a transformative experience for many. For those on the binary spectrum, they truly appreciated having a gender norm challenged and overall, feedback embraced the non-traditional aspect. There were always outliers though. Continuing to make these shifts in representation will open mindsets and encourage continued reimagining of standards.
STATEMENT FROM NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
“Under Sinjin’s leadership, The Pear has become a driving force in the local theatre scene, presenting engaging, unique, and captivating stories that highlight diverse perspectives and talents. Alongside the exceptional Pear team, I am excited to continue connecting audiences with artists and fostering creative expression.” – Sara K. Dean
ABOUT THE PEAR THEATRE
The Pear Theatre was founded in 2002 by Diane Tasca and came under the leadership of its third Artistic Director, Sinjin Jones, in 2020. Its goal is to deliver unique theatrical experiences, and intimate theatre that is big, bold, brave and magical, while fostering community connection and inspiring the lives of patrons and artists in transformative ways. The theatre, a state-of-the-art black box with a capacity of 75-99 seats, has been recognized by the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle with the Paine Knickerbocker Award and multiple cast and crew nominations for Excellence in Theatre. In 2022, The Pear began hosting the monthly Pear Pressure Cabaret presented by Harmony Werks and monthly Improv Nights with Greg & Friends. The Pear is also home to the Pear Playwrights’ Guild which hosts a developmental reading series (Fresh Produce), an annual festival of new one-act plays (Pear Slices), and an annual playwriting festival featuring new works (Fresh Baked Pears). The theatre is also home to a student outreach and education program (Pear Roots), and the recently launched Pear Seeds Theatre Camps.
All photos provided by The Pear Theatre
Splash Magazines
“For those on the binary spectrum, they truly appreciated having a gender norm challenged and overall, feedback embraced the non-traditional aspect.”
You were asked to step down from the role before opening night because you couldn’t sing the part correctly after months of rehearsal. As an artistic leader, it’s bizarre to take pride in a situation where you didn’t audition for your role, were asked to leave your role, and ruined an opportunity to expand the show’s diversity even more (like casting a black actor, of which there were none).