By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from and how’d you end up in eastern North Carolina?
I was born in Ohio, grew up in Maryland, and spent nearly 20 amazing years in Nashville. During Covid, while pursuing my master’s degree, I began exploring what new opportunities might be out there in the theatre world. Although I hadn’t planned on leaving Nashville, I realized that to do the kind of work I aspired to on a full-time basis, a move might be necessary. After a brief stop in the Charlotte area, I came across the Executive Director position at New Bern Civic Theatre. Something in my gut told me to take the leap, and I’m so grateful I did. Six months later, I’m truly glad to have landed in this beautiful place.
Do you have a favorite mentor or teacher that helped you on your artistic journey?
While studying acting at Winthrop University in South Carolina, I had a professor, Jeannie Woods, who made a profound impact on my life and career. I admired her deeply as a director, and she was endlessly supportive of my growth as an artist. She encouraged me to think beyond convention and explore all the ways my talents could thrive in the artistic world. She even gave me one of my first professional acting gigs—an experience that was absolutely mind-blowing for a 20-year-old. Wait… I can actually get paid to do this? Today, my inspiration comes from the actors and directors I have the privilege of working with. I am continually energized by the creativity around me and the gift of collaborating with such talented artists.
You are an actor, writer, director, and now the executive director of the New Bern Civic Theatre. What relationships do you see between these roles, and how do they feed off and enhance each other?
My true passion in life will always be acting and directing. I love both deeply, and I’ve always needed a balance of each to recharge my artistic battery. I began acting at five and directing at sixteen, so it’s no exaggeration to say they’ve shaped my entire life. My experiences onstage as an actor and offstage as a director have profoundly influenced my approach as an Executive Director, giving me a strong foundation for understanding how to lead and nurture a thriving theatre. Writing entered my life later. I never set out to become a writer—nor did I think I’d be particularly good at it—but life has a way of surprising us. I’ve grown to truly love it. Writing offers a level of creative freedom that goes even beyond directing, and it’s become an unexpected but meaningful part of my artistic journey. I’m excited to be co-writing a show for NBCT’s 2026 season, America 250: The Eras Tour, and to be leading the newly launched The Bright Lights Project. Over the next year, thirteen young artists ages 12–18 will collaborate to create an entirely original musical that will then be performed in NBCT’s 2027 season. It’s thrilling to help others explore and develop their talents while continuing to polish my own.
Do you have a favorite play or genre, and why, or why not?
Favorites are so hard because I love a lot of things! I will say, I do love musicals. I usually prefer directing musicals because I find it to be a space where all of my sensibilities come together in the most perfect way. I just feel like musicals get me. They have this special way of tugging on our heartstrings in the best ways possible. Nothing feels more magical than a brilliant musical number where the singing is spellbinding and the choreography takes your breath away. Sometimes, by the end of it, you are in tears and you don’t even know why. Now that is special. Some musicals that I love deeply are Evita, A Chorus Line, American Idiot, Jagged Little Pill, Rent, Fun Home, A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love & Murder, Matilda, In the Heights, Side Show, Joseph, Cabaret, Grand Hotel, [title of show], Heathers, among others.
You were tour manager for LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, and other big names. Can speak about what that like, and what you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy about it?
That was such a wild and memorable chapter of my life—I often refer to those years as my “past life” because they feel like a dream, in the very best way. I didn’t move to Nashville expecting to work in the music industry; I had no idea it was even an option for me. But I was incredibly fortunate, and I truly loved the work. It’s the only industry outside of theatre that has ever captured my passion in the same way. Even though it wasn’t a creative role, it fulfilled me in so many other ways. The travel, while sometimes exhausting, was a privilege that allowed me to see the country and the world for nearly a decade. Meeting other artists and actors—and forming real friendships with them—was surreal. Managing a multi-million-dollar worldwide tour at just 27 is something I still can’t wrap my head around. And working for LeAnn and Jess – I couldn’t have asked for better bosses. I’m so grateful for those years together and even more grateful that they’re both still in my life.
Who is another actor, performer, or writer you admire, or whose work inspires you?
Viola Davis, Maya Angelou, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Amanda Gorman, Laurie Metcalf, Kathy Bates, Jonathan Groff, John Gallagher Jr., John Goodman — artists who choose bold, compelling projects and continually push themselves to grow. Watching people operate at the very top of their craft, staying curious, inventive, and fearless, is the truest form of inspiration for me. And just as inspiring are the artists I’m lucky enough to work and collaborate with every day. Their passion fuels mine. I’m constantly energized by the creativity around me, and it’s what keeps me moving forward.
What one production, project, or award are you particularly proud of, why?
In 2015, I directed the regional premiere of American Idiot in Nashville, and it genuinely changed my life. Reviewers even said our production surpassed the National Tour that had come through the year before—but the real magic was the bond that formed within our cast and crew. We became a true family, connected by an experience that has never been duplicated. To this day, we’re still a part of each other’s lives, and that says everything.
The raw energy of Green Day’s music, combined with the emotion of the story and a cast that was both wildly talented and unbelievably kind, created an experience I will carry with me forever. I’ll admit it—I’m a total sap. I cried through so many performances. The heart, the passion, the fearlessness on that stage every night filled my soul in a way I’ll never forget. Honestly, it still does.
What advice do you have for actors and performers just starting out, or people wanting to get into acting?
Just do it. Show up. Take the chance. The worst you can hear is “no”—and as performers, we hear “no” all the time, which only makes the “yeses” that much sweeter. Life is too short to ignore what pulls at your heart. If you feel called to something, chase it. Putting yourself out there is hard, but the joy and pride you’ll feel afterward make every step worth it.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
Art is the space where passion and human connection meet to create something that moves, challenges, and transforms us.
Where and how can people see your work?
Theatre is such a beautiful living and breathing artform, so the best place to see anyone’s work is live, right in front of you! I am excited to direct two shows next season at New Bern Civic Theatre. The first in May, the regional & North Carolina premiere of Jagged Little Pill. Then, in November, the Lin Manuel Miranda modern classic In the Heights! I can’t wait to work with all the awesome local creatives to make both of these shows shine. Tickets for both shows, and our entire 2026 season are for sale now at www.newberncivictheatre.org!