Over the last 14 years, Molly Smith has focused her creative life on the re-invention of Arena Stage and building the Mead Center for American Theater to become a center for the production, presentation, development and study of American theater. She has been a leader in new play development for over 30 years at Arena Stage and Perseverance Theatre in Alaska, by commissioning, directing or championing numerous world premieres. Ms. Smith's directorial work has been seen at the Shaw Festival, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Trinity Repertory Company, Tarragon Theatre and Centaur Theatre.