BANGOR, MAINE: Penobscot Theatre Company (PTC) has announced that artistic director Jonathan Berry will step down at the conclusion of the theatre’s 51st mainstage season, concluding a tenure marked by artistic innovation, community engagement, and post-pandemic-lockdown growth. A search for a new artistic director will commence in the coming months, with further details to be announced soon.
“We are deeply grateful for Jonathan’s passion and dedication to Penobscot Theatre Company,” said PTC board chair Sundance Campbell in a statement. “Through his artistic leadership, the theatre has flourished, captivating audiences with dynamic storytelling and fostering a sense of community through the power of live performance.”
Since joining the company in 2022, Berry has been instrumental in shaping the artistic vision of the theatre, bringing bold and diverse productions to the stage while deepening the organization’s connection with the Bangor community and beyond. In partnership with executive director Jen Shepard, Berry has worked to rebuild audiences while simultaneously expanding artistic programming to include different voices and perspectives. Under his tenure, PTC expanded the diversity of artists onstage—including directors, playwrights, actors, and designers—creating productions that reflect the evolving demographics of Bangor. With strong leadership from Shepard and Berry, PTC also opened a café, The Stage Door, and expanded its community partnership program. While financial challenges persist, each season has shown an increase in ticket sales and the number of subscribers.
“Leading Penobscot Theatre Company has been an extraordinary honor,” said Berry in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. Our dedicated staff, talented artists, and passionate audiences have made this experience one that I am grateful for. I look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive in the years ahead.”
The past three seasons at PTC have included two world premieres (Trapped: A Lobster Tale and Dirty Deeds Downeast), a Penobscot Nation collaboration featuring the Dramatic Academy (My Story is Gluskabe), the return of A Christmas Carol, and two wildly popular summer musicals (Little Shop of Horrors and Mary Poppins). Berry also directed critically acclaimed productions such as Clarkston, Ironbound, and Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, while producing two holiday productions featuring Bangor drag icon Priscilla Poppycocks.
The last show Berry will direct for the company as artistic director is the East Coast premiere of the Lauren Yee comedy Mother Russia, which will begin rehearsals on April 8. The 52nd season, selected by Berry, will be announced in April.
Penobscot Theatre Company has roots in the Acadia Repertory Theatre, founded in Bangor in 1973. Acadia Rep presented 97 productions in Bangor before Penobscot Theatre Company was incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 1983. The company’s mission is to create extraordinary theatrical experiences that engage and inspire the community, fostering a better quality of life in the heart of Maine. As of 2024, they have a budget of approximately $2.1 million.
