Irene Baird, who lives in Haverford, has acted, directed and taught in the Philadelphia area for over 25 years. Known for her intense, emotional style of work she is a legend among theatre people in the area for pushing actors to new heights in their art. Nearly every actor in the Delaware Valley has studied with her at her private studio, the Wilma Theatre, Temple University or at the University of the Arts and Villanova University.

Baird has a BFA and MFA from Carnegie Mellon and New York University. She was a Fulbright Scholar to the Bristol Old Vic in England and was among the first to be awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship for acting. She worked with Peter Brook in Paris, studied with Lee Strasberg and worked with John Cullum and Richard Dyshart.

She was a professor of theatre at Villanova University for 20 years and currently teaches and directs at the University of the Arts.

Some recent roles Ms. Baird has played are Melissa Gardner in "Love Letters," Liz Barnard in "Sympathetic Magic," Lily Rykersful in "A Stronger Faith," Maxine in "Night of the Iguana," Mde Ranyevskaia in "The Cherry Orchard," and Queen Margaret in "Henry VI" Part Three.

“It is an honor and privilege to be working with someone of Irene’s stature in the theatre,” said “Night of the Iguana” director John Doyle. “We are thrilled she is working with Iron Age Theatre on Tennessee Williams’ intense play.” According to Doyle, Baird, who plays the earthy resort owner Maxine, is a perfect fit for the part. “Bette Davis played the role on Broadway and Ava Gardner acted it in the famous John Huston movie. Irene is equal to these great actresses.”