Richard France is an American author, playwright, and academic, known primarily for his in-depth studies of Orson Welles's theatrical and radio career. His most celebrated work is "The Theatre of Orson Welles" (1977), a seminal text that analyzes in detail Welles's innovations and productions for the Mercury Theatre, becoming a key reference for scholars. He also edited "Orson Welles on Shakespeare" (1990), a collection of the director's writings and notes on the English playwright. As a playwright, France has written several plays, including the award-winning "Station J". For his research, he has received prestigious awards, including the George Freedley Memorial Award for his contribution to theatre historiography, and has been awarded fellowships from institutions such as the National Endowment for the Humanities. His academic output is considered essential for the critical understanding of Welles's early work, prior to his film debut.