About The Premier Theatre Company
& Our Mission Statement

The Premier Theatre Company is a non-profit theatre and education program that creates opportunities for adults and children to develop talents in all aspects of theatre arts. By combining professional knowledge with amateur talent, we aim to inspire confidence, creativity, and a sense of community. Our key goal is to assist new generations in keeping the arts alive by promoting and preserving live theatre while exposing the community to quality entertainment.

The History of The Premier Theatre Company

The Premier Theatre Company has been providing excellent entertainment to the people of New Jersey for well over 30 years. The company has attained and surpassed many New Jersey theater milestones, and has left a lasting impression on countless audiences.

It all began with four acclaimed performances of Sunday in the Park with George. Premier was the first company in the world to present the show after its run on Broadway. During our first season, only 20 dedicated performers showed up to audition. Today, over 600 talented individuals from the tristate area have auditioned for the opportunity to spend a season onstage with us. Our company now presents four to eight shows a season, while hosting numerous concerts and cabarets throughout the year.

Bringing the Best in
Entertainment
to the
Jersey Shore

We have had the pleasure of working with award winning actors and actresses, including:

  • American Idol and Rock of Ages star Constantine Maroulis
  • Television legend Ron Palillo
  • Recording artist and Tony Award winner Debbie Shapiro-Gravitte
  • Emmy nominee James DePaiva of One Life to Live
  • Adrienne Barbeau, whose numerous credits include Broadway, TV and Film
  • Renowned television and stage writers Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore
  • Law and Order’s detective and Broadway’s Cabaret lead, Milena Govich
  • Jesse Eisenberg, film and theatre star, got his start in acting on our stage, and was featured in a number of shows, including Oliver and Peter Pan.

To show appreciation for the people that helped us grow over the years, we have given back to the community in several ways. By donating tickets for our productions to non-profit organizations, we’ve helped create exposure to the performing arts. We also participate in fundraising events for organizations such as the Madonna House of Neptune and the F.R.A., as well as families of the United States troops. We have also started raising money and awareness for less fortunate individuals with disabilities.

With the support of our volunteers and experienced staff, The Premier Theatre Company can go above and beyond the expectations and standards of theatre. The company has been hugely successful, and has flown through 30 straight seasons of exemplary entertainment.

Our Board of Trustees

President: 
Brenden Kortenhaus 

1st Vice President:
Ellen Ruane 

2nd Vice President
Kitty Cleary

Treasurer: 
Joe Malik 

Secretary: 
Deborah Murad 

Trustee: 
Dawna McClendon

Trustee: 
Matthew C. Whelan 

Trustee: 
Amethyst Fiorentino

Trustee: 
Mike Devito

The Premier Theatre Company & the Community

Throughout our history, the Premier Theatre Company has maintained a strong connection with the communities in which we perform. We continue to believe in the wonderful opportunities Asbury Park has to offer everyone. When we were the resident company of the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, we created many events in town. We continue to offer The Premier Experience, tying together merchants and restaurants who support our productions in Monmouth County.  

We regularly make collections benefitting the underprivileged and the military.

In the News

The reviews are in! Take a look at some of the buzz around our previous productions.
1990-2010
In residence at The Henderson Theater, Lincroft
1990-1991
Dinner Theater at the Berkley Carteret Hotel
1997 - 2001
Resident Theatre Company at The Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
Full time box office and gift shop, The Stage Door Canteen
2002-2004
Premier at The Paramount Theatre and on Cookman Ave.
Moved all productions and shops to Asbury Park
2007
Premier returns to Paramount with Scrooge
Major factor in Christmas in the Grand Arcade supporting merchants
2014
Created new performance and event space at VFW Harold Daley Hall
2016
Premier returns to it roots at The Henderson Theater