Penobscot Theatre Company’s artistic director will step down in July after helming the organization for three years as arts organizations across the country have struggled to recover financially from the pandemic.
Jonathan Berry, 50, of Bangor does not have another job yet but will return to Chicago where he spent seven years as an artistic producer and director at the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre and its associated school before moving to Maine in 2022. He hopes to work as a freelance director and teach as he did previously at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and Columbia College.
“Leading Penobscot Theatre Company has been an extraordinary honor,” Berry said in announcing his decision. “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.”
Berry succeeded Bari Newport, who left Bangor in 2021 to lead GableStage in Coral Gables, Florida.
During Berry’s tenure, the diversity of the artists on stage along with directors, playwrights and designers expanded dramatically, creating art that was more reflective of the expanding population of Bangor, the company said in a press release. PTC also opened the Stage Door bar and expanded its community partnership program under the leadership of Berry and Executive Director Jen Shepard.
Julie Arnold Lisnet, a founder of Ten Bucks Theatre, has directed two shows at the theater during Berry’s tenure — “Crimes of the Heart” in 2023 and “Matinicus: A Lighthouse Play,” now running at the Bangor Opera House.
“During his tenure, he exposed us to many modern works that challenged us to both look inward at ourselves and how we navigate our lives, and that also invited us to see beyond the Maine we know,” she said Tuesday. “He was deft at weaving together our talented local actors with artists from all over the country creating strong, inspiring and thought provoking productions with exceptional design values.”
Berry most recently directed “Wyoming” at the University of Maine. He also will direct Penobscot Theatre’s next show, the East Coast premiere of Lauren Yee’s comedy “Mother Russia,” in May. He also directed “Clarkston,” “Ironbound,” “Dirty Deeds Downeast” and “Mr. Burns: An Electric Play” during his tenure.
Patrick “Patty” Morris, a history major at the University of Maine, appeared in “Wyoming.” He called working with Berry “a fun, respectful, and entertaining experience.”
“We weren’t just ‘student actors’ to Jonathan, we were all colleagues, and he treated us like he would if we were professional actors with class and respect. He created an atmosphere of learning and community. … His passion, energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and kindness certainly will be missed, but his desire to create art will forever remain in the hearts of many who hope to change the world with theatre.”
Last season, Penobscot Theatre faced a $200,000 deficit in its $2 million budget for its 50th season. By eliminating some positions, cutting a fall show from its 51st season and with successful fundraising, the organization was able to close that gap. This season’s budget is $1.86 million.
While financial challenges persist for the company, each year since the pandemic has shown an increase in ticket sales as well as in the number of subscribers, according to Berry.
“We are deeply grateful for Jonathan’s passion and dedication to Penobscot Theatre Company,” Sundance Campbell, chair of theater’s board of directors, said. “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.”
One of Berry’s final acts at the theater was to put together the 52nd season, which will be announced next month.
“As the company prepares for this transition, the board of directors is committed to ensuring a seamless leadership change,” the press release said. “A search for a new artistic director will commence in the coming months, with further details to be announced soon.”
