Penobscot Theatre Company Announces New Interim Director Of Education

Penobscot Theatre Company Announces new Interim Director of Education Bangor, ME - Penobscot Theatre Company announces that Ben Layman, longtime teaching artist and performer in the Bangor area, will begin as the next Interim Director of Education starting on January 7th. He will be taking over for Alekzander Sayers, who has held the position since May.

A Maine native, Layman has a long and successful history as a theatre artist. He's been a regular in productions on the Penobscot Theatre Company's main stage for many seasons, most recently as Santa in Elf The Musical, Carlino in Wait Until Dark, and Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast. For the past decade, he's had a hand in the growth of Dramatic Academy as a teaching artist in numerous capacities. First as the lead teaching artist for Penobscot Theatre Company's school residency programs, and for the past seven seasons as a director for many youth shows. He most recently directed A Wrinkle in Time, As You Like It, Les Miserables School Edition, and Babe the Sheep Pig.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Ben Layman is the best person to lead Dramatic Academy at this time," said Alekzander Sayers, the outgoing Director of Education. "He has been a part of the Academy for so long and has fostered a generation of students who have gone on to become leaders and lifelong lovers of theatre. He knows how to organize Bangor's network of teaching artists and use them effectively. Most importantly, he is passionate about this company, this community, the world of theatre, and every student who walks through our doors at Dramatic Academy. He's the guy for the job."

Layman begins on January 7th, the first day of youth and adult classes for the Winter. Registration for all classes is available online at www.penobscottheatre.org/education or through the box office at 131 Main Street Bangor; (207) 942-3333. Any inquiries about these classes listed can be directed to Ben Layman, Interim Director of Education, at education@penobscottheatre.org or (207) 947-6618 ex. 107.