Jeannette Clift George is the Founder and Artistic Director of the A. D. Players. Her extensive background in professional theater includes acting Off-Broadway, at the Playhouse in the Park in Philadelphia, Arena Stage in Washington DC, and touring with the New York Shakespeare Company.
She was for many years a member of the Alley Theatre acting company and performed in many productions there including Dear Liar; Ring Around the Bathtub; Romeo and Juliet; The Rivals; and title roles in Colette; and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
On the Grace Theater stage, Mrs. George has played the title roles in Driving Miss Daisy; Lettice and Lovage; The Trip to Bountiful; The Curious Savage; Helene in 84 Charing Cross Road; Amanda in The Glass Menagerie; and Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest as well as directed numerous A. D. Players’ productions. Her film debut was in World Wide Pictures’ The Hiding Place as Corrie Ten Boom. For her role, Mrs. George was nominated for a Golden Globe Award by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a Golden Apple Award by the Hollywood Women’s Press Club, and as “Most Promising Newcomer” by the British Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Mrs. George is equally well known as author, playwright, Bible teacher, and national speaker. She is an associate member of the Dramatists’ Guild, and has authored many books and scripts which are available in the theater lobby or through her website www.jeannettecliftgeorge.com. Her plays have been performed on Grace Theater stage as well as many other theaters across the country.
Ric Hodgin (Managing Director, Acting Company)
In his three decades of seasons at Grace Theater, Ric has entertained audiences in memorable roles, including his award-winning portrayals of King George II in Joyful Noise; John Proctor in The Crucible; Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird; and The Diary of Anne Frank. Other credits include Dr. Treves in The Elephant Man; Adam in The Diaries of Adam and Eve; Galley Proof; Ret; Myrtle, A Melodrama; Sanders Family Christmas; Sister Calling My Name; Shadowlands; Lettice and Lovage; and God’s Favorite. He adds to those credits, the directing of several shows including The Cotton Patch Gospel; the award-winning Best Show of 02-03, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; and is the Managing Director for the A. D. Players.
Irby Bair (Director of Development)
Irby is a native Houstonian and a graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in Communications, Speech, and English, and advanced training in fundraising, marketing, and business communication. Before working with the Players, Irby worked for nine years at San Felipe National Bank as Vice President in charge of Marketing/Development/New Accounts. She has been a hired consultant in implementing development/marketing departments for other financial institutions. She has also conducted seminars on fundraising for nonprofit organizations, customer relations, and communications. Irby has served on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Houston, Child Advocates Guild, and Covenant House Texas Guild. She has participated in various volunteer causes for other civic, cultural, and health organizations and church projects. She is a current member of the AFP and other business affiliations. Hobbies include outdoor activities, reading, and historical research.
