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Jesse Berger

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BIO

Jesse Berger is a New York-based actor, director, and producer with a passion for classical theater. He is the founding artistic director of Red Bull Theater, a company dedicated to the production of plays from the Jacobean era to the present day.
Berger has directed and produced over 15 productions for Red Bull Theater, including critically acclaimed productions of The Revenger's Tragedy, Edward the Second, and The Duchess of Malfi. He has also directed productions of The School for Scandal and The Witch of Edmonton for the Pearl Theatre Company.
In addition to his work as a director and producer, Berger is also an accomplished actor. He has appeared in productions of The Winter's Tale, The Tempest, and The Alchemist, among others. He has also appeared on television in Law & Order and in the film The Namesake.
Berger's love for classical theater began at a young age. He grew up in a family of theater lovers and was exposed to the works of Shakespeare and other classical playwrights from an early age. He went on to study theater at the University of California, Berkeley, before moving to New York to pursue a career in the theater.
In 2003, Berger founded Red Bull Theater with a mission to produce plays that are rarely seen on stage. The company has since become known for its innovative productions and commitment to bringing new life to classic works.
One of Berger's most notable productions for Red Bull Theater was The Revenger's Tragedy, a play by Cyril Tourneur that had not been produced in New York in over 50 years. Berger's production received critical acclaim and was praised for its innovative staging and strong performances.
Berger's work with Red Bull Theater has earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Body of Work and the Drama League's Director Fellowship. He has also been named a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government for his contributions to the arts.
Most recently, Berger directed a production of The White Devil for Red Bull Theater. The play, written by John Webster, tells the story of a woman who seeks revenge against the man who killed her husband. The production received rave reviews and was praised for its bold staging and powerful performances.

Photos

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Director
Founder and Artistic Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2021] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Artistic Director
Adaptation
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director

Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 2018 - Directing Award

Jesse Berger, The Government Inspector


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director, Resident Musical

Jesse BergerMarat/Sade

News


Photos: On the Red Carpet at Opening Night of RICHARD II
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 13, 2025

The Off-Broadway production of Shakespeare's Richard II, starring Michael Urie, recently opened. The engagement will continue through Sunday December 14th at the Astor Place Theatre. Check out photos from the red carpet on opening night here!
Photos: Inside Opening Night of RICHARD II With Michael Urie and More
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 13, 2025

Performances are now underway for the Off-Broadway production of Shakespeare's Richard II, starring Michael Urie. Check out photos from opening night here!
Mamie Parris and More to Star in RAGTIME at Arizona Musicfest
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025

Arizona Musicfest, a leading arts and cultural destination in the Valley, will present its second musical theater collaboration with the Herberger Theater Center, featuring Ragtime.
Santino Fontana, Bonnie Milligan and More Join THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 4, 2025

Red Bull Theater has revealed additional details of the one-night-only, benefit performance of The Boys From Syracuse, starring Santino Fontana, Nikki Renee Daniels and more.
Photos: Michael Urie and the Cast of RICHARD II Meet the Press
by Bruce Glikas - Sep 23, 2025

Red Bull Theater's 2025-26 Season will kick off with Michael Urie starring in Shakespeare's Richard II. The show is adapted and directed by Craig Baldwin. Ahead of the show's first performance, the cast met the press. Check out photos here!
Red Bull Theater Unveils Cast of SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025: DEFIANCE
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 18, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced the cast and lineup for its 15th Annual Short New Play Festival, returning Monday, June 23, 2025, to Symphony Space's Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater in New York City.
Review Roundup: Red Bull Theater's THE IMAGINARY INVALID
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 4, 2025

RED BULL THEATER is presenting the Off-Broadway production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Jesse Berger. Mark Linn-Baker and Sarah Stiles lead the cast, along with Arnie Burton, Russell Daniels, Manoel Felciano, Emilie Kouatchou, Emily Swallow, and John Yi.Check out what the critics are saying.
Photos: THE IMAGINARY INVALID Opens at New World Stages
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 3, 2025

RED BULL THEATER is presenting the Off-Broadway production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Jesse Berger. See photos from opening!
Red Bull Theater Unveils Selections for Short New Play Festival 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2025

Red Bull Theater has revealed the winning selections for Red Bull’s SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025. Learn more about the festival and see how to attend upcoming performances.
Performances of THE IMAGINARY INVALID at Red Bull Theater Begin This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2025

Performances will begin on Wednesday May 21st for RED BULL THEATER's Off-Broadway production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Meet the Cast of Red Bull Theater's THE IMAGINARY INVALID
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 28, 2025

RED BULL THEATER will soon present the Off-Broadway premiere of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Jesse Berger, the team that created the acclaimed comedies The Government Inspector and The Alchemist. Check out photos of the cast here!
Matthew Rauch, Andy Grotelueschen, and More to Star in THE JEW OF MALTA at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

Red Bull Theater has revealed the cast for the next offering of Revelation Readings season: The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe, directed by Jesse Berger. See who is starring and learn more!
Full Cast Set for THE IMAGINARY INVALID at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025

RED BULL THEATER has revealed the complete cast for the Off-Broadway premiere of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Mark Linn-Baker & Sarah Stiles To Lead THE IMAGINARY INVALID At Red Bull Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 27, 2025

RED BULL THEATER has announced the complete cast for the Off-Broadway premiere of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Jesse Berger.
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
RED BULL THEATER's SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2025 Submissions Now Open
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 7, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced that submissions are now open for Red Bull's ANNUAL SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL. Featuring six brand new 10-minute plays of heightened language and classic themes inspired by this year's theme, “Defiance,”
Chuck Cooper, Taylor Iman Jones, André De Shields To Lead TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 9, 2024

A benefit concert of TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA featuring Chuck Cooper, Taylor Iman Jones, and André De Shields will take place on December 16th at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space.
Jessica B. Hill and Matthew Rauch to Star in THE DARK LADY at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2024

Red Bull Theater's next Revelation Reading would be the New York Premiere of The Dark Lady by Jessica B. Hill, directed by Rodrigo Beilfuss. Learn more about the play and see how to purchase tickets.
Red Bull Theater's MEDEA: RE-VERSED Extends
by Stephi Wild - Oct 8, 2024

The acclaimed Off-Broadway engagement of the World Premiere of Medea: Re-Versed will extend one additional week through October 20th to accommodate demand.
Red Bull Theater Announces THE BEAST OF HUNGARY For 'Hispanic Golden Age Classics'
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2024

RED BULL THEATER has announced details of its latest exploration of Hispanic Golden Age Classics: the Revelation Reading of The Beast Of Hungary (El animal de Hungría, 1617) by Lope de Vega.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Jesse Berger been nominated for?

Directing Award (Obie Awards) for The Government Inspector and Outstanding Director, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Marat/Sade.

What awards has Jesse Berger won?

Jesse Berger has won the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for The Government Inspector and received the Outstanding Director, Resident Musical award at the Helen Hayes Awards for Marat/Sade.

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