THE STRAY DOG PACK

More About the Artistic Director

 

Artistic Director Gary F. Bell has acted, directed, and taught for

theatre, film, and television in New York City, Europe, and

Saint Louis. After attending the American Academy of

Dramatic Arts, Bell joined the American Ensemble Studio

Theatre where he trained extensively with its Founder and

Artistic Director, Stanley Harrison. While in New York, Bell

had the opportunity to work with many distinguished

directors and artists, including Tazewell Thompson,

Robert Patrick, Willem de Kooning, and Aaron Copland.

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A member of Actors’ Equity Association and American Guild of Variety Artists, Bell is also an accomplished composer/lyricist and playwright. The prestigious Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference in Waterford, Connecticut has recognized his play, Justice for Justine.

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After moving to Saint Louis in 2000 for a self-imposed playwriting sabbatical, Bell decided to establish a new professional theatre company based in part on the philosophy of his mentor, Stanley Harrison. This approach utilizes the actors’ individual qualities to create rich, insightful character portrayals. Bell received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts and Letters from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2017. Drawing upon his most successful experiences from more than 25 years as a theatre professional, Bell believes Stray Dog Theatre will continuously challenge and involve the most dedicated local theatre artists and audiences.