ALMA BECKER

BECKER--Alma, 67, nationally recognized theater director, devoted wife and friend and influential instructor at Skidmore College Department of Theater died at her home in Saratoga Springs, NY on June 2, 2013, after a long illness. Alma's commitment to American playwriting was the main focus of her career for years. She was Resident Director at New Dramatists in New York City where she received the National Endowment for The Arts Directing Fellowship and Jerome Foundation Directing Grant and Resident Director at Eureka Theater of San Francisco (1978-1981); Bay Area Playwrights Festival in California and guest artist at numerous colleges and regional theaters. Her career path led her the east coast, then to San Francisco and finally back to New York City in 1981. She traveled extensively with her second husband, Steve Coats. In 1987, Ms. Becker was invited to direct at Skidmore, which began a 26 year relationship with the college. Alma is survived by her husband of 33 years and beloved nieces and nephews. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of mentoring, community service and a lifetime of devotion to Theater Arts. She was a beacon to all who knew her. Online remembrances may be made at: www.burkefuneral- home.com