Good afternoon, and happy new year to you!
My name is Mark Perry. As we begin 2026, I wanted to introduce myself and also share a bit about what to expect for the upcoming season. 2026 is a year of growth and expansion here at Bridge Street Theatre!
The biggest news is that after more than 12 years of dedicated (and I mean DEDICATED) leadership, Founders John Sowle and Steven Patterson have decided to take a half a step back and embrace a less front-line-ish role within the theatre.
Fear not, though – they’re not going anywhere. Steven remains active on the Board of Directors, and John will be taking on a newly created role of Artistic Director Emeritus. These positions will allow them to focus their work where they’re really at home (acting, directing, and designing) without having to worry about shoveling the sidewalk and cleaning the toilets.
They’ll also keep providing guidance and mentorship to the rest of us staff. Last month, the Board (with John and Steven’s support) voted to name me Acting Artistic Director for 2026, which means that you’ll be hearing from me pretty regularly. It also means I’ll need all the help I can get! Thankfully, Alison Davy will continue in her role as Executive Director and Tim Dunn is taking on a new title of Associate Artistic Director. There will also be lots of opportunities for anyone else (including you!) who might want to volunteer or get involved.
To say I’m excited about this season is an insane understatement. 2026 will be our most ambitious (Tim says “aggressive”) year ever, and I can’t wait to share it with you. In addition to our brand-spankin-new classes in BRIDGE STREET ACADEMY(Check out Tim’s Teen Intro to Stage Actingand Adult Improv & Theatre Gamesstarting January 31!) we’re producing a sixth(!) mainstage show this year, plus a super-special surprise production in December. Our concert offerings and individual performances will be bigger and better than ever! And we’re going to open our doors more often, and to more of Catskill, than ever before!
So. What’s next?
If you’re interested in getting the first crack at (discounted!) season tickets and want to spend an evening playing trivia and getting to know us a little better, please join us for our SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY on January 24 at 7:00. It’s free, open to everyone, and promises to be a lot of fun.
We’ve got a big big season ahead of us, and if I’m honest, I’m a little bit intimidated by the responsibility of running an organization that’s this important to Catskill and Greene County. But I’m going to do my level-headed best to pursue John and Steven’s long-standing vision of the highest quality professional theater at affordable prices.
Can’t wait to get to know you,
Mark Perry
Acting Artistic Director
Oh hey! We’re also always looking for additional board members as well as volunteers in all capacities! If you’d like to get involved (or if you have a community group that would like to use our space) I’d love to hear from you! Mark@BridgeSt.org.
