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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.

Photos

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2026]
Director
 
[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

Drama Desk Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Direction of a Play

Jesse Berger, Titus Andronicus


winner
Obie Awards - 2018 - Directing Award

Jesse Berger, The Government Inspector


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

Jesse BergerMarat/Sade

News


70th Annual Drama Desk Awards Winners - The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - May 17, 2026

The best of the New York City theatre community was at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, the theater award honoring excellence across all of New York City’s theatrical landscape. Check out a full list of winners here.
BroadwayWorld Classifieds 5/14/2026; Jobs In HR, Education & More
by - May 14, 2026

This Week's New Classified Listings on BroadwayWorld for 5/14/2026 include new jobs for those looking to work in the theatre industry.
CYMBELINE, REFINISHED Reading Will Be Held at Red Bull Theater
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026

Red Bull Theater announced the closing event of its spring Revelation Readings Series, CYMBELINE, REFINISHED, directed by Michael Sexton and featuring Tina Benko, Amir Arison, Jay O. Sanders, and Carson Elrod at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre.
70th Annual Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 29, 2026

Raúl Esparza and Helen J Shen will announce the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards nominations on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:00AM ET. Check out the nominees so far and check back later for teh complete list.
Review Roundup: Red Bull Theater's TITUS ANDRONICUS Off-Broadway Starring Patrick Page
by Gillian Blum - Mar 30, 2026

What do critics think of Red Bull Theater's TITUS ANDRONICUS, running now Off-Broadway, directed by Jesse Berger and starring Patrick Page, which runs through April 19?
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Spring 2026- A Complete Guide
by Team BWW - Mar 27, 2026

What’s happening Off-Broadway this spring? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this season. Spring 2026 is packed with exciting revivals, new works, and star-powered productions.
Photos: First Look At TITUS ANDRONICUS Starring Patrick Page
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2026

Red Bull Theater has released production photos of TITUS ANDRONICUS starring Patrick Page. The production is now in previews Off-Broadway. The show will run through April at the Pershing Square Signature Center.
Full Cast Set for TITUS ANDRONICUS Starring Patrick Page at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 11, 2026

Red Bull Theater has revealed the cast joining Patrick Page when he leads lead the cast in the title role of William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, directed by Jesse Berger.
T.R Knight, Julie Halston and More Complete the Cast of THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE at Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 8, 2025

Red Bull Theater has revealed the full cast of the one-night-only, benefit performance of the beloved musical The Boys From Syracuse, starring Santino Fontana, Nikki Renee Daniels and more.
Patrick Page to Star in TITUS ANDRONICUS Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 1, 2025

Patrick Page will lead the cast of Red Bull Theater's production of William Shakespeare’s TITUS ANDRONICUS directed by Jesse Berger, set to be presented Off-Broadway.
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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Jesse Berger been nominated for?

Outstanding Direction of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Titus Andronicus, 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 the Outstanding Director for a Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for Marat/Sade.

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