Alumna Kim McCann Lawson (MFA, dramatic arts, ’81), a distinguished actor and educator in the greater Sacramento region, died on Sept. 15.  

McCann Lawson received her BA from California State University, Sacramento in 1976 and entered the graduate program at UC Davis in 1979. She performed in various theatre Department of Theatre and Dance productions including Measure for Measure, Hedda Gabler and Candide in addition to working in the costume shop.

She went on to teach at Sacramento City College for nearly 27 years before retiring in 2011. During her tenure, she taught a wide range of courses including beginning, intermediate and advanced acting, acting styles, theatre history, one play studio and cinema genres in addition to directing numerous productions. The Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Chastain was a former student at City College.

McCann Lawson was one of the founders of the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival and directed for the festival for 22 years. She served as chair of City Theatre/Sacramento Shakespeare Festival Board of Directors for over 20 years. 

In 2008, McCann Lawson earned an adult education teaching credential for adults with developmental disabilities from California State University, San Bernardino.