Biographie
Richard began his acting career at age 12 in Northeastern Pennsylvania, performing in a production of That Championship Season by Pulitzer Prize winner Jason Miller. He completed his undergraduate studies at WVU before moving to New York City's vibrant independent film scene in the 1990s, collaborating with Bill Plympton, Sydney Lumet, and Eduardo Machado. He later attended the New School for Social Research/Actors Studio Drama School, where he earned two Master's degrees under the guidance of Arthur Penn and Romulus Linney. Following graduation, he served as Head of Operations at New York's Signature Theater Company under James Houghton for two years, managing two theaters on 42nd Street. He then accepted a senior administrative role at The New School/ASDS alongside James Lipton. Over five years, he contributed to expanding the repertory season, a television show, and the campus, including the addition of the Westbeth Theater Complex. Kuranda co-founded Epic Repertory Theater in NYC, producing nearly 24 Off-Broadway plays in three years, including premieres by David Auburn, JT Rogers, Romulus Linney, and Lee Blessing. He later became Associate Artistic Director, Interim Artistic Director, and Producing Director at the Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theatre Center. During his tenure, the New York Times credited him with revitalizing its national programs through the inclusion of Michael Bush, Wendy C. Goldberg, and Oz Scott. Notable projects developed under his leadership include In The Heights and {title of show}, which have premiered at nearly every major regional theater across the U.S.
He is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio, where his early work included a six-month development of Oedipus Rex alongside Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, and Estelle Parsons. His film work is part of the permanent collection at MoMA. He has served as an 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 Society. He also mentors for the Kennedy Center's Arts In Crisis program.
