Nantucket Performing Arts Center: New Theatre Launch
- The Nantucket Performing Arts Center (NPAC), a new nonprofit organization, is scheduled to open next month in Nantucket, Mass.
- NPAC's programming will feature the work of its resident professional troupe, ACK Theater Company.
- Chris Bierly, NPAC founder and trustee president, said the island has a long tradition in the arts.
Nantucket is gaining a vibrant new cultural hub! The Nantucket Performing Arts Center (NPAC) announces it’s grand opening next month, bringing exciting theater, music, dance, and comedy to the island. This new nonprofit aims to enrich Nantucket’s vibrant arts scene, offering a dedicated space for diverse live performances and educational programs. Their inaugural season kicks off with “What the Constitution Means to Me” and moves on to delightful comedies, presented by the ACK Theatre Company. Led by an accomplished artistic board, and with Drew Kowalkowski at the helm, NPAC promises top-tier artistic experiences. The center, located at North Water Street, features a 150-seat theater and a unique courtyard. News Directory 3 is thrilled by this growth. Discover what’s next for the nantucket Performing Arts Center!
Nantucket Performing Arts Center Opens, Enhancing Island Culture
Updated June 15, 2025
The Nantucket Performing Arts Center (NPAC), a new nonprofit organization, is scheduled to open next month in Nantucket, Mass. The center will host theater, music, dance, comedy, and other performing arts, aiming to enrich the island’s cultural life. The NPAC also intends to provide a dedicated venue for live performances, creative expression, and educational programming.
NPAC’s programming will feature the work of its resident professional troupe, ACK Theater Company. The company will produce theater by world-class artists under Actor’s Equity contracts, ensuring high-quality performances for the community.
Chris Bierly, NPAC founder and trustee president, said the island has a long tradition in the arts. He added that NPAC is excited to share the creativity and artistic expression that can inspire and unite the community.
NPAC’s artistic board includes Tony-winning actors, directors, and designers. Drew Kowalkowski will serve as NPAC executive director, leading both the Nantucket Performing Arts center and ACK Theatre Company.
The inaugural season begins July 3 with “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck, directed by Amanda Charlton and starring Nina Hellman and Jeremy Shamos. Following that, Paul Slade Smith’s comedy “Theatre People, Or the Angel Next Door” will run Aug. 1-15, directed by Mark Shanahan and starring Joe Delafield, John Rapson, and Richard Henry. Additional programming will be announced soon.
Located on North Water Street,the NPAC campus includes a 150-seat theater with balcony seating,a bar,and a courtyard reminiscent of British theater pubs. The site also features a 1,315-square-foot residence for staff and visiting artists, which is currently undergoing fundraising efforts for renovation.
NPAC is partnering with local arts organizations, including The Dreamland, Kevin Flynn’s Stand Up and Learn, Nantucket Film Festival, Nantucket Music School, and the Nantucket Ancient Association.
What’s next
NPAC plans to continue developing its programming and partnerships to become a central resource for the arts on Nantucket, offering diverse and engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike.