Richard Kuranda's journey in the entertainment industry began at the tender age of 12 in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he started acting in a production of That Championship Season, directed by Pulitzer Prize winner Jason Miller.
He then pursued his undergraduate studies at West Virginia University before transitioning to New York City's burgeoning independent film scene in the 1990s, where he had the opportunity to work with renowned directors such as Bill Plympton, Sydney Lumet, and Eduardo Machado.
Kuranda's academic pursuits continued as he attended the New School for Social Research/Actors Studio Drama School, earning two Master's degrees under the guidance of esteemed mentors Arthur Penn and Romulus Linney.
After completing his education, Kuranda served as the Head of Operations at New York's Signature Theater Company, where he managed two theaters on 42nd Street before accepting a senior administrator post at The New School/ASDS.
During his five-year tenure at The New School/ASDS, Kuranda worked towards the expansion of the Repertory season, television show, and campus, including the addition of the Westbeth Theater Complex.
In 2001, Kuranda co-founded Epic Repertory Theater in New York City, where he produced nearly 24 Off-Broadway plays, including premieres by renowned playwrights such as David Auburn, JT Rogers, Romulus Linney, and Lee Blessing.
Kuranda's impressive career continued as he became the Associate Artistic Director, Interim Artistic Director, and then Producing Director for the Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theatre Center. During his tenure, he was credited by The New York Times with restoring confidence to the center's national programs, including the addition of Michael Bush, Wendy C. Goldberg, and Oz Scott.
Under Kuranda's leadership, the O'Neill developed numerous projects, including In The Heights and {title of show}, which have since premiered at nearly every major regional theater in the United States.
A lifetime member of The Actors Studio, Kuranda's early work at the studio included a six-month development of Oedipus Rex with Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Estelle Parsons.
His film work is a permanent part of the Museum of Modern Art's Collection, and he has also served as a former advocate for the United Nations and the Universal Forum of Cultures in Barcelona in 2004.
Kuranda is a member of the Dramatists Guild and The Stage Directors and Choreographers, and he currently serves as a Mentor for the Kennedy Center's Arts In Crisis program.
