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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, 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


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.
Red Bull Theater Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring Productions, Readings & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2024

Red Bull Theater has revealed its 2024-25 season with a lineup of productions, readings, and special events available both in-person and online.
Red Bull Theater & Bedlam Reveal Complete Cast For MEDEA: RE-VERSED At Sheen Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 9, 2024

Red Bull Theater and Bedlam have revealed the complete cast for MEDEA: RE-VERSED, featuring Sarin Monae West. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Photos: Stars Turn Out To Honor Alfred Molina and Ann K. McDonald At the 2024 RUNNING OF THE BULLS Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 5, 2024

Red Bull Theater honored Alfred Molina with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater and K. Ann McDonald with the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit last night, Monday June 3rd. See photos from inside the event!
Red Bull Theater Reveals Selections for Short New Play Festival 2024
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 23, 2024

Red Bull Theater has revealed the winning selections for Red Bull’s ANNUAL SHORT NEW PLAY FESTIVAL. Learn more!
Elizabeth Marvel to Star in US Premiere of MEDEA at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 6, 2024

Join Elizabeth Marvel in MEDEA, a unique adaptation by Ben Power, directed by Daniel Fish, as part of Red Bull Theater's 20th Anniversary Festival. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Patrick Page & More to Star in TITUS ANDRONICUS at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 3, 2024

Red Bull Theater has revealed details for the next presentation of its 20th Anniversary Festival: Shakespeare's TITUS ANDRONICUS, directed by Jesse Berger. Learn more bout the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Red Bull Theater Continues Its 20th Anniversary Festival With OR, WHAT SHE WILL By Liz Duffy Adams
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2024

Red Bull Theater has announced details for the next presentation of its 20th Anniversary Festival: OR, WHAT SHE WILL by Liz Duffy Adams, directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch.
Patrick Page, Reeve Carney, Lillias White & More Will Lead Red Bull Theater's THE TEMPEST
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2024

Details have been announced for Red Bull Theater's upcoming production of The Tempest, starring Patrick Page, Reeve Carney, Lillias White, and more.
Red Bull Theater Continues Its 20th Anniversary Festival With The NY Premiere of GOD'S SPIES
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 17, 2024

Red Bull Theater has announced details for the next presentation of its 20th Anniversary Festival, the New York Premiere of God's Spies by Bill Cain, directed by Nathan Winkelstein.
Tony-Winner Miriam Silverman And Stephen Moyer To Star In MACBETH
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 8, 2024

Stephen Moyer from True Blood and Tony Award winner Miriam Silverman star in MACBETH for Red Bull Theater's 20th Anniversary Festival. Directed by Nathan Winkelstein, the play features a strong ensemble cast.
Patrick Page, Reeve Carney, Santino Fontana & More to Lead Red Bull Theater's 20th Anniversary Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2024

RED BULL THEATER has revealed details for the upcoming 20th Anniversary Festival, an all-star series of workshops and readings of Shakespeare, his contemporaries, & more. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets.
Annaleigh Ashford, Mark Linn-Baker & More to Star in Red Bull Theater's IMAGINARY INVALID
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2024

RED BULL THEATER has revealed the cast for the next offering of a new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings: The Imaginary Invalid by Molière.
John Douglas Thompson and Sarin Monae West Join THE REVENGE at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 16, 2024

RED BULL THEATER has revealed the updated cast for the next offering of the new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings: The Revenge by Edward Young, directed by Nathan Winkelstein.
Submissions Now Open For Red Bull Theater's Short New Play Festival 2024
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 3, 2024

Submissions are now open for Red Bull Theater's Short New Play Festival 2024. Participate in this exciting opportunity to showcase your talent!

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

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