"Justin Cerne, one of the happiest collaborations I’ve ever had”
-Whit Stillman
"Because he inspires the best in people, I’ve never seen a production of his that didn’t thrill. As a collaborative artist he has three rare gifts: insight, trust and contagious joy"
-John Shea
"Justin Cerne has done a brilliant job of combining all four Winter Street novels and creating a play that is engrossing, funny, heartbreaking and filled with the best emotion of the season"
-Elin Hilderbrand
"Justin knows how to bring the brilliance out of each actor, and for all of us who work behind the scenes, we get to experience Justin’s warmth and kindness to all who work with him."
-Liz Himmelstein
Me
Justin Cerne is celebrating his 12th electrifying season as Producing Artistic Director of Theatre Workshop of Nantucket (TWN), a dynamic Small Professional Theatre (SPT) located on the storied island of Nantucket. Over the past decade-plus, Justin has brought creative vision and theatrical magic to TWN, having directed, curated, collaborated on, and produced more than 100 unforgettable productions. His directing highlights have dazzled audiences and include hits such as Mamma Mia!, Boeing Boeing, Terms of Endearment, Meteor Shower, Into the Woods, and Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (Female Version).
A multifaceted artist, Justin’s choreography shines on the big screen in the cult favorite film Damsels in Distress (Sony Pictures Classics), starring Oscar nominee Greta Gerwig and helmed by Oscar nominee Whit Stillman. His theatrical prowess made headlines in 2023 with the world premiere of his stage adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand's Winter Streetnovels, which debuted to sold-out audiences on Nantucket.
Justin’s career is marked by bold artistic choices and exciting collaborations. He was a part of the American premiere of Jerry Springer: The Opera at MGM Las Vegas—a landmark production—and has made his mark as a choreographer in New York’s famed Fringe Festival multiple times, helping to shape and elevate emerging theatrical voices. He has also choreographed at the prestigious Yale School of Drama, contributing to the next generation of theatre makers.
Justin has worked with some of the most celebrated talents in the industry, including Meryl Streep, Marin Mazzie, Jason Danieley, Liz Callaway, Heidi Blickenstaff, Nick Adams, Annaleigh Ashford, Patti Murin, The Skivvies, Kim Zimmer, Robert Newman, John Shea, and many others. As a playwright, his original works include Winter Street, Truth or Consequences, March of the Isabelline Penguins, and Polar.
Justin holds a BA from Marymount Manhattan College and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from the University of Idaho. He is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC), SAG-AFTRA, and the Dramatists Guild.
What I Do
As a seasoned arts leader with over two decades in the performing arts, I bring passion, insight, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration to every endeavor. I thrive on creative problem-solving, fostering innovation, and building dynamic teams that transform vision into reality. My leadership is driven by purpose: to inspire excellence, nurture talent, and guide a theatre with integrity, imagination, and heart.
As Artistic Director, I serve as the creative compass of the organization, shaping its artistic direction while honoring the unique character of the community it serves. I lead with empathy and conviction, creating space for bold ideas, meaningful dialogue, and artistic risk-taking. Whether working with actors, administrators, board members, or patrons, I unite diverse voices around a shared mission to create powerful, resonant work that connects, challenges, and uplifts.
At the core of my practice is a belief in the transformative power of theatre. I am proud to champion work that matters and to lead with vision, collaboration, and a deep respect for both process and people.
During the 2020 Season Theatre Workshop collaborating with nearly 150 directors and actors to bring Caryl Churchill's Love and Information to the virtual stage. The above video is a preview.
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