Cape Fear Regional Theatre announces new leadership

Triad Stage artistic associate Bryan Conger has been named interim artistic director at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, the theater said Monday.

Conger replaces Tom Quaintance, who is leaving to head the Virginia Stage Company in Norfolk, Virginia. Conger is scheduled to start work Oct. 17.

"I'm so excited. It's thrilling for me," Conger said. "I'm just really excited to jump in and be a part of the Fayetteville community and the CFRT family."

An Indiana native, Conger has worked at Triad Stage in Greensboro for five years. A fine arts graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he directed, produced and acted in several theater companies throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

Conger has also served on the faculties of UNC Greensboro, Greensboro College, Guilford College and Elon University.

Quaintance started at CFRT in 2011, replacing founding artistic director Bo Thorp. He is currently preparing to direct and appear in his last production as CFRT artistic director, "Henry V," which opens Oct. 27.

In a statement, CFRT board member and search committee chairman Eric Lindstrom praised Quaintance's tenure and said he looks forward to Conger's leadership.

"Bryan Conger joins managing director Beth Desloges in leading a dynamic team that will build upon the momentum from the last 55 seasons while the theatre continues its search for the next artistic director," Lindstrom said.

Conger said as of now, he plans to seek the artistic director job permanently, but that the final decision will be up to the board.

Conger said he has seen productions of "White Christmas" and "Downrange: Voices from the Homefront" at CFRT and felt a connection with the theater and the community.

In May, Conger is scheduled to direct the theater's closing play of the season, "Caroline, or Change."

Conger said he sees his role as interim artistic director as "keeping the ship moving.

"I think the theater is in a good place and is moving in a good direction and I want to keep that going," he said.

Cape Fear Regional Theatre was founded in 1962 as Fayetteville Little Theatre. It produces six main stage productions a year in its 309-seat theater, as well as special productions and education programs.

Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at mullenr@fayobserver.com or 486-3561.