"Rich Rand is a dynamo of a man. I admire him, and if I could start my life over I’d like to be like him. He has the soul of a poet and the passion of a politician, but he’s also got the imagination of a wonderful artist. That sounds a little soft, but he’s got a hard discipline. He’s not patient enough to let something integrate into his life – he makes it happen, he’s exacting."
Jim Hancock, Professor Emeritus, University of Texas-Austin
"Rich is the finest teacher we have on the faculty. The students treasure his work in the studio and in the rehearsal hall…He has served theatre well in being the chief recruiter…shaping enormous changes to the curriculum, guiding students’ career decisions, and remaining a mentor long after graduation."
Russ Jones, Chair of Theatre (1998-present), Purdue University
"Rand came to us with international acclaim as a…teacher. [His] contributions to our program have been of the highest caliber. The range of his teaching expertise is impressive. At the same time, Rand’s rapport with students permits him to be both nurturing and critical. These are rare attributes in instruction and justify the designation of master teacher."
Gil Lazier, Dean Emeritus of FSU School of Theatre, past-president of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and one of a hundred formally acknowledged world leaders in theatre.
"Professor Rand has been an outstanding teacher in each and every class that he has taught. His students rave about him and consistently achieve beyond what might be expected in the development of their natural talent. He is a disciplined but also a caring teacher, one whose ego is invested not in himself, but rather in the accomplishments that his students will achieve…I know student after student who feels that their life has been significantly and positively affected by their connection with Professor Rand."
Jim O’ Connor, Professor and Former Chair, University of South Carolina (Former Chair Purdue Theatre, 1987-1996).
"[Rand] is an extraordinary teacher. He is held in the highest esteem by his colleagues (both professional and academic) and students alike. He brings to the classroom a tremendous integrity for the work and a sensitivity to the needs and struggles of the student, combined with a strong demand for disciplined excellence."
Marya Lowry, Senior Lecturer, Brandeis University
"Rich is a caring, devoted and gifted teacher…who can work with both advanced and introductory students. He is a director of subtlety and depth, and an excellent colleague…I consider him to be one of the real strengths of the Purdue theatre program."
Dr. Annie McGregor, Professor of Theatre, Penn State University
"I had the good fortune to be able to hire Rand as a Visiting Professional Guest Artist for the spring semester. He proved to be an invaluable part of this program. He was able to bring many students to new levels of performance and inspire in them a new-found devotion to their craft. He was able to work with tremendous patience, with students of widely varying abilities and experience, and work to establish a strong feeling of ensemble. The students were often overwhelmed with the range of skills he had to offer them. However, Rand was excellent at establishing students differing needs and strengths and working individually with them. He was always eager to discuss the students' work with me and other faculty, and happy to incorporate our assessment of students' needs into his teaching -- I have tremendous respect for Richard Rand's talents and abilities."
Dr. Cynthia Dillon, New Mexico State University
"What Professor Rand very clearly and precisely does in every situation is conduct and guide the learning situation with care, love and thorough preparation. He instills the reward of growth in each of his students, and nurtures each student to participate in the learning process as thoroughly as himself. He is an absolutely excellent role model, amazingly consistent in his demeanor as he is in our teaching laboratory."
Retired Professor Stan Abbott, Purdue University
"Quite simply, Rich is a brilliant teacher of movement and acting. He instills in his students a strong work ethic in conjunction with a great passion for the art. He is able to synthesize the external work with the internal work, thus enabling his students to realize what it means to be a 'total actor.'… This is the kind of person Rich is: always there to help, always ready with his intelligence, talent and energy. I couldn’t ask for a better colleague."
Professor Jim Wise, Penn State University
"I want to thank you so much for all of my experiences at Purdue. Designing with you has been two of the most successful collaborations ever. Thank you."
Eileen Garcia, Scenic Artist, Purdue University
"Rich Rand is one of the best movement teachers around. Not simply a movement specialist, Rich is an acting teacher with a special set of physical skills. His understanding of actor process and his ability and experience as an actor make it possible for him to use movement as a tool to move student actors forward. Aside from his many roles in the traditional theatre, his original works stand as a model of the potential self-sufficiency of a performer who knows how to integrate his many physical skills into one unified whole."
Professor Charlie Oates, Chair, UC-San Diego
"I just wanted to tell you once again how much we appreciated your residency at Wesleyan. You handled the sessions masterfully. Rich, you made so many contributions to our students in such a short time, I just can’t thank you enough. Your willingness to make yourself available to our students in so many ways was absolutely wonderful."
Professor John Urquhart, West Virginia Wesleyan College
"Rand approached each segment of his assignment with enthusiasm and unbridled vigor, whether it was teaching the acting students about Commedia Dell'Arte, working with a cast on character analysis, or talking production concepts with the design staff. -- Rich was also kind enough to come in to my Theatre History course to lecture on Commedia Dell'Arte and, later, the comic aspects of certain characters from Restoration drama. He captured the student's attention instantly and kept them interested throughout the various lectures. -- He is a gifted teacher. -- Rich was such a positive influence on our program. I could go on for pages and pages."
Shan Ayers, Director of Theatre, Berea College
"Rich Rand has an outstanding reputation here on campus and is without a doubt one of the finest instructors we have at Purdue."
Sara Jane Coffman, CIS Instructional Developer
"I am writing regarding a remarkable teaching collaboration…My students found the fact that an actor or actress could interpret their work and perform it live absolutely enthralling. Professor Rand’s commitment to teaching, and obvious zeal for collaboration and interdisciplinary learning helped guide and shape these tremendously effective exercises… [This] remains one of the true highlights from my teaching experience."
Professor Rob Davidson, Department of English, Chico State University
"Congratulations on receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award! Your talents have been recognized on numerous occasions as both a teacher and an artist…I am so pleased that you came to Purdue and are sharing your talents with us (I include myself!).
Distinguished Professor Emeritus Dorothy Mennen, Purdue University
"Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to take time for myself last semester. Everyone has confirmed what a great interim chair you were."
Russ Jones, Chair, Purdue University
"The scope of your knowledge was and is frankly impressive. Your integration of anthropological, cross cultural, historical and biological facts conveyed a truly operational holistic appreciation of the human condition and of individuals. As you know, this was the first time in the more than fifteen years of our program that a non-analyst has been invited to offer a training weekend for our faculty and students. Its success is all the more significant in that it was truly ground-breaking. A new precedence has been established. Be assured that the weekend will remain a high point in our institutional memory. You have left no doubt about the contribution theatre and acting has to make to the training of therapists and analysts."
Donna Marie Flanagan, Director of Training, CG Jung Institute of Chicago
"For four years Rich Rand served as ESA’s Artistic Director of Drama. His responsibilities entailed working with the other professional choreographers and music coaches to construct a two hour show which would tour throughout 7 European countries and be seen by tens of thousands of people…Rich has a unique ability to work with, direct and motivate students. I can honestly say that I have never encountered a deeper more healthy student/teacher relationship. Rich has stretched his pupils beyond anyone’s expectation to bring out the very best in them artistically, and opened their eyes to their potential, inspiring them in their pursuit of a professional career. Mr. Rand has also made significant contributions to ESA’s leadership staff, working extremely well with his fellow colleagues…I would categorize Mr. Rand as a man with a conscience. He is unselfish, willing to work and extend himself far beyond any contract to get the job done, cooperative, extremely considerate, industrious, artistically creative, reasonable, sensitive yet to the point, conceptual, unmistakenly reliable and has demonstrated an exemplary character during these past four years…I count it as a great privilege to have Mr. Rand as a part of ESA’s artistic staff."
Randy Sykes, Executive Director, Extraordinary Students of America
"Your work in our Chekhov presentation was truly memorable – a unique, amusing and moving characterization – a gift. Thank you.”
Mala Powers
"As a graduate teaching assistant under Professor Rand, I learned how to successfully facilitate discussions, listen to students, demonstrate ideas or activities…I am reminded by Rich’s example to seek to learn, to know myself, to focus on the WORK, always THE WORK…and no matter what my profession, to first be a human being. I have never met a person whose ways and attitude I aspire to more than I do Rich Rand’s…Rich makes students try harder, allows them to feel safe to make mistakes, to take risks, to open their minds, and to observe and explore without judgment… You were always there to remind me that I can accomplish whatever it is I dream if I focus and prepare, and you gave me some vital tools to help toward my goal. Most importantly is the fact that you have been an example, an inspiration, a reminder to so many that discipline and hard work do pay off."
Ryan Shively, MFA in Acting, 1996. Mr. Shively has acted in numerous productions on Broadway, in regional theatre and in television, since 1997.
"Rich Rand is about something much larger than himself, and he nurtures human beings as well as artists. He is simply the finest teacher I have ever had in any subject, and the finest director I have ever worked with on any level. And yet, his teaching and his direction is incredibly demanding. He inspires actors to explore places in themselves that may have seemed impossible or unsafe in the past . . . He is one of those rare people who inspires you to live your life and do your craft with more discipline, humanity and love."
Andrew Carlson, MFA in Acting, 2007
"I don't even know how to begin thanking you for all you have tought me, and for your guidance and support. I was so fortunate to have you for so many classes and I have learned so much about theatre, myself and life."
Jes Mercer, BA in Acting, 2007
"You truly are a remarkable director, teacher and man."
Matthew Erickson, MFA in Acting, 2007, National tour of Legends with Joan Collins and Linda Evans
"Though it's been 17 years since we've spoken I wanted you to know that you are the best teacher that I ever had."
Lavonne Byers, MFA in Acting, 1990
"You have been an amazing inspiration for both of us."
Carla and Jim Harris, MFA’s in Acting, 2004
"When I am onstage with you I understand what it means to craft a role."
Brian Edgecomb, MFA in Acting, 2004
"No person I met at Purdue has had a more positive, profound and lasting impact on my career as a student and as a professional than Rich Rand. In the classroom, Rich is an inspiring instructor, encouraging and uncompromising. He is unfailingly attentive, a unique and generous listener: present, empathetic and insightful in discussion. He is the finest teacher I have ever known."
Gerritt Vandermeer, BS in Engineering/BA in German/BA in Theatre, 1998, (MFA in Acting, UCLA, 2001) Professional stage actor.
"While most professors’ disciplines cover one or two subjects, Rich’s versatility and knowledge is unparalleled…Quite simply, Rich Rand is the best teacher I have ever had. In a city competing with thousands of artists, I feel confident and prepared for a career as an actor as a direct result of what I learned from Rich."
Charles Sandlan, BA in Theatre, 1994 (MFA Rutgers University 2003) (television and film actor)
"You taught me to look deeper and harder at the characters we all possess within…You’re a tough teacher and I respect you for that! I won’t forget the skills that you taught me and I won’t forget that it was you who sparked…ignited my interest in stage movement! I only hope that one day I can be a teacher like you. Thank you, Rich Rand!!"
DeAnna Gonzales, MFA in Acting, 1997
"Thank you so much for your endless help and support these past four years. I truly appreciate your selfless devotion to your students and to fostering art at Purdue, and I feel privileged to have had these opportunities to work with you."
Annelise Dickinson, BA in Acting and Sudler Prize Winner, 2006
"Thank you for all your guidance these three years. I learned more and am more grateful that I can express."
Katherine Burke, MFA in Acting 1999
"You are a true artist. Please know that your passion has affected me immeasurably. I can only hope that my influence on students could be half as powerful as yours."
Kristen Tripp Kelley, MFA in Acting, 1999 (Head of Fine Arts Department, Nichols School, Buffalo, NY)
"I wanted to write to you to thank for all of the wonderful work you’ve done with us. I know I speak for all of us in saying that we are sad to see you go… It was a great joy to work with you and I can’t find enough fountains to wish in that I might have the privilege to work with you again."
Kelley Risto, BFA in Acting, University of Minnesota, 2006
"I thank you for your openness and thoughtful consideration [and] think I speak for the whole design team in thanking you for respecting us and appreciating us."
Professor Kristina Tollefson, University of Central Florida (MFA in Costume Design, 2001)
"As a senior majoring in Education and Theatre at Purdue University, I feel that I have an in-depth knowledge of successful teaching methods…Rich Rand is the one instructor who stands out above the rest. He exhibits exceptional skills of organization and communication. He exemplifies the necessity to learn and to live. He gives his students a sense of pride which makes everyone feel as though they were born to participate in his class. Students are engaged in activities every session while concurrently and unrecognizably grasping information that seemed to be far beyond comprehension. I can unequivocally state that he is a source of inspiration for me as well as many other students on this campus. I feel privileged and honored to have studied under one of the best professors Purdue University can offer."
Yolanda Raquel Jones, BS in Education, 1998.
"I know Rich to be one of the most patient, caring, focused and demanding acting teachers I’ve studied with. He had the unique ability of nurturing a student while challenging the artist. Somehow Rich allowed me and my classmates to explore human behavior, how people think, what pushes them into action…I am passionately grateful for the things I learned from Rich."
Davey White, BA in Theatre, 2000 (MFA in Acting, Temple University 2003)
"For your patient wisdom, your gentle caring, and your boundless commitment to the art and the teaching of it, I thank you."
Dr. Adam Wiggs, MFA in Acting, 1993. (PhD in Psychology, Kansas State University)
"I always learn so much from working with you and I am always stretched in ways that I never imagined were possible. The lessons that I have learned from you I will take with me throughout my life."
Stacie Hadgikosti, MFA in Acting, 2007
"There is nothing I can write in a few short paragraphs that would fully describe Rich Rand and his effect on his students… He was the reason I came to Purdue and his dedication and commitment became my model for living… [Rich] always arrived prepared and organized and pushed us to excel on a daily basis. He compelled us to look deeper into ourselves as artists. He taught me what it is to be a theatre professional…I still find myself asking Rich Rand for his opinion on agents, auditions and theatre companies."
Jason Cornwell, MFA in Acting, 2001
"You truly are an inspiration as a teacher and a person. Thank you for remaining true to your students!!"
Ed Duran, MFA in Acting, 2001 (Educational Director, Hartford Stage)
"Professor Rand encourages the students to strive to their fullest potential, and most importantly he challenges students…[and] students are asked to set challenges for themselves and meet those challenges…He has inspired me to take risks and take responsibility…I know Rich Rand has made a difference in my life."
Courtney Adler, BA in Theatre, 1996 (MFA, University of Kansas, 1999)
"I spent a long time contemplating how best to express my gratitude for your mentoring and commitment...I have chosen a token…I thank you."
Anna Larson, BA in Theatre, 2001, Freshman Dean’s Scholar, Sudler Prize Winner. (Masters Degree, Gallaudet College, Washington, DC)
"I take the initiative for the whole class when I say that this is not ‘one of the best courses I’ve ever taken,’ but undoubtedly sets the overall standard for all classes."
Jason Todd, BA in Theatre, 2004.
"I constantly tell stories about 'my great prof…this really amazing man who…' Funny that you are still MY PROF. I just want you to know that you have touched my life in many ways – you are a constant source of inspiration and mean more to me than I know how to say. Thank you for always pushing me to do my best, for believing in me, and for helping me believe in myself. You have given me so much."
Jill Robinson, BFA in Acting, UCLA, 2003.
"His level of commitment to his students is unparalleled, and while remaining distant from his own achievements, maintains an excellent rapport with his students. We trust Rich, in that our own creative energies are encouraged to manifest themselves without fear of judgment or empty praise. However, Rich is critical of our work and seems to maintain a high degree of objectivity in his comments. Overall, I believe there is no other instructor from whom I have learned more."
Robert West, MA in English, 1995. (Executive/Artistic Director Theater Schmeater, Seattle, WA)
"It is my genuine privilege to share my experiences under the instruction and direction of Richard Rand. It is difficult for me to find a place to begin for a man who has given so much to so many people. I must first touch upon his teaching, since that has proved to be the most inspirational for me. When I first arrived at Purdue, Rich was there for me not only as a teacher but as an advisor too. His instruction not only served as a valuable lesson in acting, but in life itself. My classmates and I were always able to take what we learned from each class and apply it to the plays and projects we were doing at the time. It was only afterward that we discovered he gave us all much more that was at the surface. He instilled confidence, self-esteem, and direction into me and many others....To be blunt, Rich is the best. When I found out that he was being nominated for the Liberal Arts Award for Educational Excellence, I not only wanted to write this letter, but I needed to. For a man who has given me and many others so much, this chance to give something back is a welcome one."
Andrew Stout, BA in Theatre/Communications and Stewart Award Winner, 1995 (MFA in Acting, Northern Illinois University, 1999)
"It has been a true delight to be able to work with you and I will treasure these memories always! Thanks for believing in me!"
Deborah Kirby, MFA in Acting 1994 (Artistic Director, Journeyman Theatre, Washington, DC)
"He showed me ways to reach my inner self, thoughts, and desires. He showed me how to use them to my advantage to become a better actor. When I thought I was doing my best, he helped me see that I could do better.... He is my inspiration and his teachings I will use throughout my life both in and out of acting."
Tracy Hyde, BA in Theatre/Communications, 1993
"You helped me become who I am today. A high school theatre teacher and an Educational Director of a large regional theatre company...I have always used you as a benchmark for the kind of teacher I wanted to be. And I am and will always be grateful for the gifts you gave us. The lessons have been long-lasting."
Jeff Draper, 1986/87 Performer with Extraordinary Students of America (Studio faculty, American Conservatory Theatre)
"Thank you for leading me down an amazing and unique path. It was a true joy to work with you."
Michael Mercier, University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theatre BFA program, Class of 2009
"I have truly enjoyed studying and working with you. Your curiosity and understanding of the human spirit, and your unconditional kindness have taught me so much.”
Ben Rosenbaum, University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theatre BFA program, Class of 2009
"I think of you and the advice you gave me (way back when) often in my daily life…THANK YOU for everything!!”
Kristen Nichols, Class of 1995
"You have really been a creative inspiration and great guide for me…I will always cherish your teachings.”
Peter Kremidas, Class of 2005