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Jesse Berger

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Jesse Berger 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.

Jesse Berger Photos

Jesse Berger STAGE CREDITS

Jesse Berger Productions

 
[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

Jesse Berger Awards and Nominations

Obie Awards - 2018 - Directing Award

Jesse Berger, The Government Inspector

Jesse Berger News


MEDEA: RE-VERSED World Premiere, THE COUNTRY WIFE & More Set for Red Bull Theater 2023-24 Season

RED BULL THEATER has unveiled its 2023-’24 season, including a world premiere opening Off-Broadway and much more. See full programing and learn how to purchase tickets!

DON QUIXOTE to be Presented as Part of Red Bull Theater's Hispanic Golden Age Classics Series

Discover the upcoming production of DON QUIXOTE presented by Red Bull Theater as part of their Hispanic Golden Age Classics Series. Get details on the dates and venue for this exciting adaptation of Cervantes' iconic work. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this timeless tale brought to life on stage.

Photos: Patrick Page, Reeve Carney, Eva Noblezada And More Turn Out As Red Bull Theater Honors Julie Taymor And More

Red Bull Theater honored Julie Taymor with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater and the Axe-Houghton Foundation with the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit last night, Monday June 5th. See photos from inside the event. 

Red Bull Theater Reveals Short New Play Festival 2023 Winning Submissions

Red Bull Theater has announced the eight world premieres selected for the company’s 13th annual Short New Play Festival.

MEDEA: RE-VERSED: a Rap Adaptation of Euripedes' MEDEA to be Presented at Red Bull Theater

RED BULL THEATER has announced the cast for the next offering of a new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings: Medea: Re-Versed by Luis Quintero, a rap adaptation of Euripedes' Medea, conceived and directed by Red Bull’s Associate Artistic Director Nathan Winkelstein.

Red Bull Theater Appoints Martin Giannini as Executive Director

Red Bull Theater (Jesse Berger, Founder and Artistic Director) has announced the appointment of Martin Giannini as Red Bull's Executive Director. Giannini's appointment follows a search led by a committee composed of members of Red Bull's board, Berger, other key advisers and outside consultants led by Board Chair Howard Owens. Giannini, who will be the first Executive Director of the company, will begin at the post in May.  

Review Roundup: THE KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE Opens Off-Broadway

The RED BULL THEATER (Jesse Berger, Founder and Artistic Director) and FIASCO THEATER (Jessie Austrian, Noah Brody, Ben Steinfeld Co-Artistic Directors, B.J. Evans, Managing Producer) production of The Knight of the Burning Pestle, an Elizabethan comedy by Francis Beaumont, opened tonight, April 27th at the newly renovated Lucille Lortel Theatre. Check out what the critics have to say!

Patrick Page & More to Star in TITUS ANDRONICUS Reading at Red Bull Theater

RED BULL THEATER announced the complete cast for the next offering of a new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings: Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare, directed by Jesse Berger.

Photos: First Look at THE KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE at the Lucille Lortel Theatre

Get a first look at Red Bull Theater and Fiasco Theater's production of The Knight of the Burning Pestle.

Jason Butler Harner, Patrick Page & More to Star in TITUS ANDRONICUS Reading at Red Bull Theater

RED BULL THEATER has announced the complete cast for the next offering of a new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings: Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare, directed by Jesse Berger.

ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM Off-Broadway Enters Final Week of Performances

RED BULL THEATER is presenting the first of its two Off-Broadway productions, Arden of Faversham, at the newly renovated Lucille Lortel Theatre. Now is the last chance to see this production! Learn how to purchase tickets.

Photos: First Look at ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM at the Lucille Lortel Theatre

Get a first look at Red Bull Theater's Arden of Faversham!

ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM Begins Performances Tonight at the Lucille Lortel Theatre

RED BULL THEATER begins performances tonight for the first of its two Off-Broadway productions, Arden of Faversham, at the newly renovated Lucille Lortel Theatre.

Thomas Jay Ryan, Cara Ricketts, Thom Sesma & More to Star in ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM at the Lucille Lortel Theatre

RED BULL THEATER has announced the cast for the first of its two Off-Broadway productions, Arden of Faversham, opening this Spring at the newly renovated Lucille Lortel Theatre.

Submissions Now Open for Red Bull Theater's SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL 2023

Red Bull Theater is now accepting submissions for their ANNUAL SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL. Six brand new 10-minute plays of heightened language and classic themes inspired by this year’s theme: “Forbidden Love” will be selected through an open submission process.

Red Bull Theater's ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM & THE KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE to Open Off-Broadway This Spring

RED BULL THEATER has announced details of its two Off-Broadway productions, Arden of Faversham and The Knight of the Burning Pestle opening this Spring at the newly renovated Lucille Lortel Theatre.

Kelley Curran & More to Star in THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Revelation Reading at Red Bull Theater

RED BULL THEATER has announced the cast for the next offering of a new season of in-person OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings, The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster, directed by Jesse Berger.  Kelley Curran will tackle the titular role.

Full Cast Announced for THE CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES (CASTELVINES Y MONTESES) at Red Bull Theater

RED BULL THEATER will kick off the 2022-’23 Season with Hispanic Golden Age Classics - Lope de Vega, beginning Thursday September 8th. Presented in collaboration with Diversifying the Classics | UCLA, this three-part series of events will focus on Lope de Vega and his play The Capulets and the Montagues (Castelvines y Monteses). 

Red Bull Theater to Kick Off 2022-23 Season With HISPANIC GOLDEN AGE CLASSICS - LOPE DE VEGA

RED BULL THEATER has announced that the 2022-’23 Season will kick off with Hispanic Golden Age Classics - Lope de Vega. Presented in collaboration with Diversifying the Classics | UCLA, this three-part series of events will focus on Lope de Vega and his play The Capulets and the Montagues (Castelvines y Monteses).

Red Bull Theater Announces 20th Season, Featuring ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM, THE KNIGHT OF THE BURNING PESTLE & More

Red Bull Theater has announced details of its 20th season, including two Off-Broadway productions; a new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings (offered both in-person and online), and much more.

Jesse Berger FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Jesse Berger has been nominated for the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for his work on The Government Inspector. He has also been nominated for the Outstanding Director, Resident Musical category at the Helen Hayes Awards for his work on Marat/Sade.

Jesse Berger has won the Directing Award at the Obie Awards for his work on "The Government Inspector." He has also been honored with the Outstanding Director, Resident Musical award at the Helen Hayes Awards for his direction of "Marat/Sade."

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