Jenn Pina Steps Down As CCTC/HJT Producing Artistic Director

 Jenn Pina is stepping down as the Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre’s producing artistic director, but the consensus is that the impact of her tenure is expected to be felt for years to come. And she will continue to be physically at the theater in some capacity. 

 “As we roll into our 2027 season, I’m excited to continue supporting CCTC/HJT in the myriad of ways I have through the decades, as a cast or production team member, teaching artist, patron, and volunteer,” said Pina in a statement she released last week. 

 “It’s the best job in the world,” she said during a phone interview. “I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished in my three years, thanks to the support of the community and the incredible staff.” She added that, with that staff, she feels she has accomplished what she set out to do. 

 Theater Director of Outreach and Education Emily Murray said that she learned a lot from Pina, “and we had so much fun!”

 “Her leadership, strength, and dedication were and are invaluable to me,” said Murray. “I will take what I've learned and continue to use it to further our mission to educate, empower, and inspire. As an educational theatre, we are always learning, so I look forward to this new chapter, continuing to learn and grow alongside Matt Kohler and the whole team at CCTC/HJT.”

 Kohler, the theater’s technical director for more than 10 years, agreed with Murray and said, ”As a leader, an educator, an artist, and a friend, Jenn has continually gone above and beyond to create and foster a warm, welcoming, and joyful community here at the theater. The work done in the last few years has truly set the organization up for success. I am so grateful for the partnership and collaborative efforts of Jenn and the entire staff over the past few years. I am excited to see where we go from here.”

 “Jenn did a terrific job,“ said Jane Staab. “And financially she did great.” 

 Staab has been involved with the Harwich Junior Theatre since 1960, and Sue Kosoff since 1964. The two were instrumental in establishing the theater as a year-round facility many years ago, and went on to found the Wheelock Family Theatre in Boston with Andi Gesner and Tony Hancock. 

 “The Harwich Junior Theatre has always been lovely and will continue to be,” said Staab. In addition to directing theater productions — and, in Staab’s case, acting too — the two currently serve on the board of directors. 

 Debbie Barrette, another board member, called Pina “an extraordinary producing artistic director” who made a lasting contribution to CCTC/HJT and to the community around it. 

 “Her artistic vision, leadership, and deep commitment to her work at CCTC/HJT has brought so much to the organization,” Barrette said. “Jenn’s deep connection and kindness to the youth in the theater is inspiring. She has been an important force in creating a vibrant and welcoming theatre community, and her impact will continue to be felt long after her time in the role. While I’m sorry to see her step down as producing artistic director I’m very glad that she will remain part of the theatre community.”
 “Jenn has been a part of the CCTC/HJT family for many years,” said Nina Schuessler. “And she should be very proud of all she accomplished in her three years at the helm.” Schuessler was the producing artistic director at CCTC/HJT for 25 years before she retired in 2022. 

 The CCTC/HJT will mark three-quarters of a century of theater productions at a gala on Friday, Oct. 9 at the Crosby Mansion in Brewster. There is much to celebrate then, with much more to look forward to in the future. 

 Talks regarding future leadership are ongoing between the theater’s board and staff.