Cliff Fannin Baker, the founding producing artistic director of Arkansas Repertory Theatre, has overseen the growth and expansion of The Rep since its creation in 1976. He has directed in cities throughout the country and has a particular passion for new plays. To that end, he has produced more than 30 world and regional premieres, including the musical adaptation of Brecht's The Good Woman of Setzuan with Michael Rice, Peanuts and Crackers by Jerry Slaff, Lola Lola with composer Sharon Douglas, and Home Fires and Comfort and Joy by Jack Heifner, to name only a few. He is the first recipient of the Arkansas Governor's Individual Artist's Achievement Award as well as the Arkansas Arts and Humanities Award of Distinction in 1996. He is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and The Dramatists Guild.
