Pittsfield, Massachusetts, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Charlie Siedenburg, the press director at Barrington Stage Company, is set to retire after a remarkable 21 years of service. His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the theater’s visibility and public engagement. Siedenburg has played an essential role in managing press relations and crafting the company’s narrative, establishing connections with audiences and the media. His retirement follows the Opening Night performance of ‘The Weekend,’ and the theater plans to manage publicity internally until a successor is named.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Longtime Barrington Stage Press Director Charlie Siedenburg to Retire After 21 Years
Charlie Siedenburg, the press director at Barrington Stage Company (BSC), has announced his retirement following the Opening Night performance of The Weekend. Siedenburg has served as BSC’s press director since 2005, a tenure spanning 21 years, and his departure marks the end of a long period of communications leadership during which he played a central role in shaping the theater’s public profile.
The announcement arrives at a moment when BSC continues to position itself as a creative home and welcoming hub for diverse audiences in the Berkshires. During his two decades-plus at the theater, Siedenburg managed publicity and press relations for numerous productions and initiatives, supported artist development and community engagement, and worked closely with local and regional media to increase visibility for the company’s seasons and projects.
Siedenburg’s role extended beyond traditional publicity duties to helping craft a consistent narrative about BSC as both an artistic laboratory and a community-minded cultural institution. His work is credited with helping to highlight new work, celebrate visiting and resident artists, and build sustained relationships with audiences, donors, and press outlets that regularly cover the arts across the region. Colleagues and collaborators consistently cited his attention to artists and productions and the friendships and networks established over his time at the theater.
Immediate impacts and next steps
The retirement takes effect after the company’s scheduled Opening Night of The Weekend. No successor has been announced publicly at this time. Barrington Stage’s leadership and communications staff will manage publicity and outreach for the remainder of the current season while the organization conducts any internal planning related to the press office transition.
Related announcements in the regional theatre community
Several other items of interest in the wider theater community accompany the retirement news. Shakespeare & Company is preparing an inaugural celebration of Jewish plays to expand offerings and community engagement. Upcoming regional and touring productions include a national tour of The Outsiders, Sicily Scenes by Chris Manaseri in Pittsford, and Triumph of Love presented by Arlington Friends of the Drama in September. A Boston Celtic band, Scottish Fish, is scheduled to perform at The Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, contributing to a varied slate of music and stage events across the region.
Broadway season wrap-up and highlights
The 2024–2025 Broadway season is drawing to a close, though several productions remain on stage and additional openings and previews are expected before the 2025–2026 season begins. Notable currently running and recently opened shows include:
- Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical — Now open; scheduled to close February 15, 2026.
- Buena Vista Social Club — Now open.
- Purpose — Now open; scheduled to close August 31, 2025.
- John Proctor is the Villain — Now open; scheduled to close September 7, 2025.
- Stranger Things: The First Shadow — Now open.
- Just In Time — Now open.
- Mamma Mia! — Now open; scheduled to close February 1, 2026.
Additional musicals, revivals, and new plays are slated for previews and openings through 2025 and into 2026, reflecting a mix of new works and established titles on Broadway.
Context and significance
Press directors and communications leaders play a critical role in translating artistic work for wider audiences, sustaining relationships with media, and shaping public perception of cultural organizations. Siedenburg’s two-decade tenure at Barrington Stage matches a period of growth and heightened national attention for many regional theaters that focus on new play development and high-quality production. The retirement will require BSC to navigate institutional knowledge transfer while maintaining continuity in press coverage and community outreach.
For local audiences and artists, the leadership change comes at a time when BSC and other area theaters continue to present a diverse slate of programming, ranging from regional premieres and touring productions to community-driven offerings and music events.
FAQ
Who is retiring?
Charlie Siedenburg, the press director at Barrington Stage Company, is retiring after 21 years of service.
When does the retirement take effect?
The retirement takes effect following the Opening Night performance of The Weekend at Barrington Stage Company.
How long did Siedenburg serve at BSC?
Siedenburg joined Barrington Stage Company in 2005 and served as press director for 21 years.
What contributions did he make?
He managed press relations and publicity, helped shape the theater’s public narrative, supported artist and production visibility, and built relationships with press, audiences, and colleagues.
Has a successor been named?
No public announcement of a successor has been made; interim coverage will be handled by BSC’s communications staff.
What other theater news was announced?
Shakespeare & Company will host an inaugural celebration of Jewish plays; other upcoming presentations include The Outsiders national tour, Sicily Scenes by Chris Manaseri in Pittsford, and Triumph of Love by Arlington Friends of the Drama. Scottish Fish will perform at The Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre.
What are notable Broadway shows still running?
Highlighted current and recently opened Broadway productions include Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical, Buena Vista Social Club, Purpose, John Proctor is the Villain, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Just In Time, and Mamma Mia! with closure dates noted where applicable.
Quick Reference: Events and Status
| Event | Organization / Artist | Date / Status | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press Director Retirement | Charlie Siedenburg / Barrington Stage Company | Effective following Opening Night of The Weekend | Pittsfield, Massachusetts |
| Inaugural Celebration of Jewish Plays | Shakespeare & Company | Upcoming (date TBA) | Lenox/Berkshires area |
| The Outsiders (National Tour) | Touring Production | Upcoming tour dates | Various cities |
| Sicily Scenes | Chris Manaseri | Upcoming | Pittsford |
| Triumph of Love | Arlington Friends of the Drama | September | Arlington |
| Scottish Fish performance | Scottish Fish | Upcoming | The Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre |
| Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical | Broadway | Now open; closes Feb 15, 2026 | New York City |
| Mamma Mia! | Broadway | Now open; closes Feb 1, 2026 | New York City |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Broadway Best Shows 2025
- Upcoming Broadway Shows Coming to NYC 2025
- What’s on Broadway Right Now
- NYC Broadway Week 2025 Tickets
- NYC Broadway Week Tickets 2025
- Wikipedia: Theatre
- Google Search: Broadway shows
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Broadway
- Google Scholar: Theater Communications
- Google News: Theater news
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