New Theatre of Brooklyn

The New Theatre of Brooklyn was founded by Deborah Pope in 1983. The theatre produced seven seasons and closed in the Fall of 1990.

From the beginning of The New Theatre's life, Lillie Bellin was the managing director. In 1984 Steve Stettler became the first paid staff person, when he was hired as associate artistic director, and later was named co-artistic director with Pope. The New Theatre was classified as a Showcase, Tier III theatre by Actors Equity Association.

In 1983, the first home of The New Theatre was a loft on Union Street in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. In 1985 it moved to 465 Dean Street between Flatbush Avenue and Sixth Avenue.

The New Theatre of Brooklyn became synonymous with high artistic standards resulting in quality regional theater. In 1987 it was awarded the OBIE Award for outstanding overall artistic excellence. Several well-known actors performed in productions, including: Geraldine Fitzgerald, Geoffrye Owens, Boyd Gaines and Linda Hunt. Several premieres were mounted over the seven seasons, including plays by Tom Stoppard, Franz Xaver Kroetz, Bertolt Brecht and Ingmar Bergman.

At the close of the seventh season, co-artistic director Steve Stettler resigned. As the board began looking for a producing director, it became clear that financially the future of The New Theatre might not be secure. After several months of discussions and the inablility to raise needed funds, the board and Pope decided that the best decision would be to close the theatre. The New Theatre of Brooklyn ended its seven year run in October 1990.

From the guide to the New Theatre of Brooklyn records, 1982-1990, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)