Penobscot Theatre Company (PTC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jen Shepard as its new Artistic Director. Shepard succeeds Jonathan Berry, who has served in the role since 2021. Her selection concludes a national search that drew interest from 47 applicants across the country.
A familiar and beloved figure in Maine’s arts community, Shepard has been an integral force at Penobscot Theatre Company for more than a decade. Her steady leadership helped guide the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and she has played a key role in the theatre’s continued artistic and financial resurgence.
“Jen Shepard brings a deep understanding of our community and a tireless passion for the theatre,” said Sundance Campbell, President of Penobscot Theatre Company’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to begin the next chapter of Penobscot Theatre’s story under her leadership.”
In addition to her experience as an actor and director, Shepard is the co-founder of ImprovAcadia, a seasonal comedy venue based in Bar Harbor that operated from 2004 to 2019. The company became known throughout the region for its quick-witted, high-energy performances and for bringing professional improvisational theatre to Downeast Maine. She also performed with The Second City aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines during that time, further honing her comedic and improvisational craft. Her work in improv has significantly shaped her artistic voice and has informed several PTC productions she created and directed, including Ready, Set, Go! and A Kick in Your Dickens.
“I’m incredibly thrilled to take this next step in my career with Penobscot Theatre Company,” said Shepard. “This theatre has been my artistic home for many years, and I’m honored to lead it into the future. I believe in the power of live performance to build connection and community, and I can’t wait to continue to work alongside our amazing staff, artists, and audiences.”
Shepard joined PTC staff full-time in 2020 during the height of the pandemic and was named Executive Director in early 2021. In that role, she revitalized corporate partnerships, launched innovative community initiatives, secured critical infrastructure funding for the historic Bangor Opera House, and helped shape the company’s long-term strategic vision.
Shepard steps into her new position as Penobscot Theatre Company is in the midst of its high-energy summer production of The Rocky Horror Show, which runs through July 13 and continues to draw enthusiastic audiences.
For more information about Jen Shepard’s appointment and to purchase tickets to The Rocky Horror Show, visit www.penobscottheatre.org.