Ron has produced, directed and choreographed over 65 productions. He began his career as an actor, dancer and singer in Philadelphia. He worked for several years as an actor in NY and Philly prior to moving to California in 1984. He continued his education in theatre at Cal State University Los Angeles. After years of performing on stage, TV and Film, he became the founder and Producing Artistic Director and producer of the American Musical Theatre Repertory in Los Angeles, CA; a company which produced workshops of new musicals.

Ron moved to the Palm Springs area in 1999 and was the founder and Producing Artistic Director for the Joslyn Players at the Joslyn Center Theatre (now named The Arthur Newman Theatre) from 1999 through 2007. During his tenure he created an award winning Theater Company and venue, supported and respected by the community.

After a year of planning, Ron’s dream of creating a professional regional theatre was realized. In August of 2008, Coachella Valley Repertory, led by founding board member Gary D. Hall – then President, now Board Chair – was started. “After six short years, it is thrilling to see how far we’ve grown,” says Ron. “The first couple years free lancing at other venues, the last three years leasing at The Atrium with a three year extension at this location, the dream continues with the goal set by the Board of Directors to build our community’s own free standing playhouse within the next three years.”

An alumnus of Directors LAB West, a branch of the Director LAB of Lincoln Center, Ron was invited to serve as a guest speaker at the 2006, 2008, and 2010 annual LAB in Los Angeles, California.

For more information on Mr. Celona’s bio and career, please visit www.roncelona.com.