Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT) began as a small group of passionate, local actors back in 1962 and has grown into a flourishing organization that impacts 50,000 people a year. For seven years now, Mary Catherine Burke has served as Artistic Director at CFRT, leading the institution in a way that honors its roots and fosters her own passion for directing and sharing stories that serve the community. 

“I feel very grateful to have known what I love to do at a very young age. And I knew from the time I was in high school that I wanted to pursue directing as a career,” remarked Burke.

Burke joined CFRT with nearly 20 years of professional experience under her belt. She got her start as an Assistant Director to filmmaker Arthur Penn working on the two-time TONY-Award-winning Broadway production of “Fortune’s Fool.” Burke came to CFRT from Dede Harris Productions, an 11-time, TONY Award-winning commercial producing office. 

“I loved being in New York and all of the different kinds of areas I was able to work in really set me up for incredible success running the Cape Fear Regional Theatre,” shared Burke. 

A connection with someone who had worked at CFRT under the previous artistic director planted the seed for Burke’s move to Fayetteville. After years working in NYC and commercial theatre, she was ready for a change of pace. 

“What’s been really rewarding about being here in Fayetteville is, I’ve been to a lot of regional theatres and worked in a lot of regional theatres, and I’d be hard-pressed to tell you another theatre where the community has such reverence and pride and love for their arts and culture,” shared Burke. 

While she’s achieved an honorable career path, Burke’s road to success was not without obstacles.

“I think when you’re trying to be in a leadership position, and you look young, and you are female – although I think things are changing – in New York, that was kind of a challenge,” stated Burke.

However, her move to Fayetteville provided her with a more progressive and welcoming community. 

“I think the opportunities in this community for women to take leadership roles are really remarkable, so it’s been rewarding being down here in that regard as well because I don't ever feel locked out of rooms. I feel like it’s a pretty dynamic and inclusive community,” shared Burke. 

Burke recalled an event the theatre hosted upon her joining the staff where a community member shouted out: “Thank goodness the theatre is being run by a woman again!” This remark was not something Burke had expected to hear. 

Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s Founding Artistic Director Olga “Bo” Thorpe helped pave the way for women in leadership roles. Bo had a 50 year tenure and was adored by her friends, family and community. She passed away in October 2022, but her legacy continues to propel CFRT towards bigger and better things. 

In her role as artistic director, Burke navigates the task of being a present and responsible leader for the organization as a whole while also exercising her creative muscles and stepping into the role of director for specific shows. Burke shared that she typically directs one show a season, and this past year that show was The Addams Family.

Burke and the other CFRT staff members have been extra busy lately as they are in the midst of a capital expansion project. Phase 1, or “Act 1,” of renovations to the theatre’s auditorium has already been completed and now they are preparing to start Act 2 which will involve creating dedicated classroom space, increasing the capacity and function for scenic and costume shops, creation of a 60+ space parking lot and the addition of a rooftop event space. 

The theatre is prepared to break ground on this next chapter of construction this summer. During the building process CFRT will continue to produce shows off-site. 

This expansion of infrastructure and resources parallels the theatre’s growth in their programming and will allow them to achieve even wider reach.

“One of the things that we’re really focusing on here with our future plans for the theatre is trying to create enough creative economy here in Fayetteville that you don't want to leave, because I think we’re really great at exporting. And I’d really like to retain [that talent]. So that's another thing that we’re focused on is how we’re creating more opportunities for artists here from our community,” explained Burke. 

Whether a Fayetteville native, a transplant, a nomadic performer, a short-term resident or anything in between, Fayetteville’s theatre community is ready to welcome and work with passionate artists to tell amazing stories. 

“There’s something pretty magical about the opportunities and the support and the belief in the arts that this community has that has helped launch a lot of really impressive careers,” shared Burke.

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For more information on CFRT’s history, capital campaign and season of star-studded events, visit their website: www.cfrt.org.