Frank John Ford AM (18 March 1935 – 27 September 2018) was an Australian freelance writer, director, dramaturg and drama lecturer.
He studied acting, drama theory, dramaturgy, directing and cinema in his degrees: M.F.A. (Theatre Arts) from Columbia University, New York (Awarded the Richard Rodgers Scholarship); Certificate in Arts Administration, Harvard Business School; A.D.B (Associate of the Drama Board) London and B.A. University of Sydney.[citation needed]
He was an author and director of opera, music theatre, cabaret, experimental theatre, modern and classic drama and multi-media productions. His plays, adaptations and cabarets have been performed in Australia and overseas. He was former Head of the Department of Drama at the University of Adelaide and held various teaching, directing and arts administration positions here and overseas.[citation needed]
He was Founding Chair of the art festival Adelaide Fringe Festival in 1975, and its first Honorary Life Member. He initiated the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and was Chair of the Advisory Committee. He served on many arts boards such as Country Arts SA, Adelaide Festival and as Chair of the Australian Dance Theatre and was in later life Chair of the Independent Arts Foundation.[citation needed]
He died on 27 September 2018 at the age of 83.[1]