The Actors Theatre of San Francisco has grown from a collection of actors with a common vision into one of the Bay Area's most acclaimed theatre companies. Founded in 1989 by a group of professional actors and directors who shared a common desire to produce ensemble theatre works, the founding members of Actors Theatre committed themselves to creating a permanent repertory company whose work would reflect their ideals of ensemble theatre: a theatre where all participants share the same artistic vision, have a unified approach to the rehearsal process, and a desire to create revelatory theatre that surpasses their desire for individual gain. The founding members gave themselves no restrictions as to style, content, or period. Instead, they committed themselves to producing theatre that is designed to enlighten and illuminate the human condition.