Ward G. Smith

Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer Ward Smith is the co-founder and former Producing Artistic Director of The Off-Central Players. He's a storyteller who loves exploring the complexities of the human condition, both its murky depths and radiant heights. Ward's work is a celebration of life's complexities, and he adds a healthy dose of humor to it because sometimes let's face it, sometimes life hands you lemons, and sometimes it pelts ya with them.

Ward's theatre journey began in high school, thanks to his inspiring professor Vince Petti, who taught him the value of a strong work ethic. From there, he joined the US Army and performed stand-up and live theatre productions throughout Europe in 1982.

After his honorable discharge in 1984, he furthered his theatre studies in Germany. Back to the US, he met David Spade at a comedy club in Phoenix and started honing his craft as an MC. Soon he was opening for famous comedians like Steven Wright, Paula Poundstone, Richard Lewis, Bill Hicks, and JJ Walker. Ward still performs when he can in regional venues.

In the '90s and early '00s, he focused on creative director positions at various Bay Area advertising agencies while staying closer to home. Ward has appeared in over 50 professional stage productions, and his favorite roles include Rothko in RED, Scott in AMERICAN SON, Stephano in THE TEMPEST, Salter in A NUMBER, and most recently as Roy in James McLure's LOAN STAR.

Ward is considered a quadruple threat: actor, producer, director, and comedian. His storytelling approach is anything but stiff. Imagine, if you will, a meticulously organized chaos, a method-to-the-madness, and a sense of humor that could make even the most stoic palm tree chuckle. He seeks to challenge, question, and invite audiences into a dialogue through his projects. They are not just watched; they are experiences that leave an indelible mark on the viewer's heart and mind.