Seacoast Rep opens Second Stage summer series in Kittery this weekend
June 1, 2019NEA chairman visits Pontine, Seacoast Rep
July 9, 2019
By Jeanné McCartin
PORTSMOUTH – After nearly a year’s search, Seacoast Repertory Theatre turned inward to find its new artistic director, two actually, naming Ben Hart and Brandon James, founders of The Mad Men of Oopsy Daisy Inc!, as co-Artistic-Directors, effective immediately.
“They’ve been part of the theater for decades. They grew up in (SRT’s) Portsmouth Academy of Performing Arts. They’ve worked under every iteration the theater has seen, and they’ve grown into the artists they’ve become because of the theater,” Executive Director Kathleen Cavalaro said. “And between the two of them, their skills round each other out in such a beautiful way. There’s that, and when you’re around them, you can’t help but feel inspired, energized and ready for great things.”
The two replace former Associate Artistic Producer Jamie Bradley who became interim artistic director after the departure of Artistic Director Miles Burns in September 2018.
“Brandon and Ben are not only two of the most creative artists on the Seacoast, but in our entire field. They’re also genuine, honest, caring humans,” Bradley says. “I trust them implicitly.”
Hart’s and James’ latest return to the Seacoast Rep came when they were named curators of the its Red Light Series. They rapidly made their mark with a distinct, creative style and eye for choosing talent. “Mad Haus,” a Red Light series presentation highlighting their writing, visual art and take on alternative theater, quickly gained avid fans.
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