Richard Alan Nichols, 87, passed away on May 12, 2022. He was born on July, 10, 1934 to Allan and Ruth Nichols in Kensington CT. He began his formal study of theatre at Boston University in 1953 then moved to New York where he studied under the tutelage of Uta Hagen at the HB Studios for 5 years. He and his wife Joanna gave birth to their son Peter in 1958. They moved to St. Louis in 1967, when as a member of the Second Story Players company, Richard Alan was commissioned to work on a project involving teaching and performance. At this time, he taught at Washington University and created with Joanna an improv group “Saturday Nite Leftovers”. In 1978, now single, he moved to Kansas City to work as an actor, teacher, director and writer. He has performed with Missouri Repertory Theatre (now KC Rep), Unicorn Theatre, The Coterie Theatre, Actors & Artists Against Aids, American Heartland Theatre and Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. He has directed at the Unicorn Theatre, KC Fringe Festival, Rockhurst University, Park University and Johnson County CC Theatre. Alan also performed in a TV movie and several film. In 1980 he met, while dancing, his life partner and friend of 40 years – Atif Rome. In 1985 Richard started his own acting studio, Actor’s-Craft Studio where he continued teaching two weeks before his death. (actorscraftstudio.com) In 2018 his book “T0 ACT IS TO DO” was published and at the time of his death his story theatre play “Cat Hole Road” was and continues to be in rehearsal.
Richard Alan was preceded in death by his father Allan, mother Ruth, brother Robert and ex-wife Joanna and is survived by Peter his son, his son’s wife Susan and his life partner and friend Atif Rome. A memorial event will be announced at a later date.
Richard Alan’s commitment to his art/craft was practiced up to the end.
You will be missed by many. Your kindness will be part of your legacy.
So sorry to hear of this loss. He was an amazing teacher and so encouraging.
He was such an amazing teacher. Brilliant but humble. Direct and forgiving. Critical and encouraging. Always passionate and loving. I have missed him for years and have honored him always. I still brag about being taught by Alan as it was my honor. Thank you Alan.
A kind, gentle and caring man. Thoughts and prayers for Atif and his son and family.
As a theatregoer, I have been moved so many times by Richard Alan’s work beginning with The Lonely Heart at Unity Temple. I struggled physically to exit the venue after the production; I was so emotionally moved by the work. I love my city and Richard Alan was an integral part of Kansas City. RIP, Sir
Alan you were an amazing teacher. You helped me in so many ways. Your advice and encouragement… I’m so sad you’re gone and I wish I talked with you after I moved to NY just to touch base with you more. You were also a wonderful performer, again I learned just by watching you perform! I’m glad you made me do improv and for you saying to me, ‘Cathy I want to see you take it deeper.’ I knew exactly what you meant and when you recommended HB Studios in NY for me to check out… I knew I was in the right class when the teacher said to me once, ‘I want to see you take it deeper.’ it made me smile and I knew she was picking up where you left off.
Thank you for you. God Bless you and give the rest of your family comfort. I really miss you.
Sending love and deepest condolences. Atif, am so sorry for your loss. Xoxoxoxo Anne
Dear Atif,
We are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Lorraine & Dan
Man O man, I hate to think what my life in KC would have been like without you, Alan!! You opened a new world. Thanks so much. And thanks for always being kind. Not a trait one naturally associates with acting teachers or directors! Tom and I send our love to Atif.
I was so incredibly fortunate to have taken a summer-long improv acting class in St. Louis with Alan and Joanna in 1971. I consider that period one of the happiest of my life. i revered Alan. Bless him on his way through.