Founded in 1977, Pontine Theatre has developed a sterling reputation for high quality performances and educational programs. With an impressive repertoire of innovative, original productions, the company serves both its home town, Portsmouth NH as well as communities throughout New England.

Description:
At West End Studio Theater (WEST), located in Portsmouth, an at-home performance series showcases all the company's premieres and the works of a national roster of guest artists. Two things united the wide range of work presented: all use expression through movement as a primary dramatic vehicle and all are original works created by the artists who perform them. Pontine is committed to presenting a diverse range of voices on its stage, and a full-range of movement styles: performance art, mime, clown theatre, puppetry, new vaudeville, mask performance, and dance theatre. Pontine's touring program brings the company to a broad based audience. The company offers performances, workshops, lecture/demonstrations, and residencies. In addition to public performances at such venues as the Currier Gallery of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and First Night Hartford, Pontine has served as artists-in-residence at a public school in Manchester during which students created puppets, masks and props to accompany original scenes based on the life of the town's founder. Last season Pontine also conducted a community residency for the Music Hall which complemented a residency by the Mystical Arts of Tibet.

History:
Over the past 30 years, Pontine has become well known for a group of critically acclaimed productions which specifically reflect the history and culture of New Hampshire and New England. These include a unique, 2-person staging of Thornton Wilder's classic portrait of rural NH, OUR TOWN; an original adaptation of South Berwick ME author, Sarah Orne Jewett's, 1896 novel THE COUNTRY OF THE POINTED FIRS; CORNISH CASTLES based on the life and work of NH painter, Maxfield Parrish; JOURNEY TO HEAVEN, based on the history, lives and beliefs of the Shakers; and DEARLY EARNED, based on the experiences of 19th century textile mill workers. These plays have been performed in public schools, colleges, libraries, and museums throughout New England.

Contact people:

Marguerite Mathews, Co-Artistic Director, (phone), (email) Greg Gathers, Co-Artistic Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

959 Islington Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 (See a map)

Directions:

From the Portsmouth Traffic Circle. Route One By-Pass North. Take first exit and at the top of the ramp turn Right onto Woodbury Avenue. At next stop sign turn Right onto Bartlett Street. At first stop. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above:
	Marguerite Mathews & Greg Gathers, Co-Artistic Directors
Type of organization
	Nonprofit 501(c)3
Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency?
	No