Kaiya Kirk
Executive Director

Kaiya Kirk is the Executive Director of Bennington Theater, where she previously served as Production Manager, helping deliver over 100 events in 2024. She first worked with the theater in 2022 as Assistant Director and Dramaturge for Sheepdog.

Her background includes production roles Off-Broadway at Abrons Arts Center and The Flea, and general management at Harlem Stage. A graduate of Bennington College, Kaiya brings experience in directing, producing, and arts administration to her role—strengthening the theater’s connection to the local community.

Ethan Hacker
Sound Engineer

Ethan Hacker is a Vermont-based audio engineer and filmmaker with a background in live sound, film production, and technical design. He began mixing concerts through his family’s renowned series, Billsville House Concerts, working with artists like Grace Potter, Anaïs Mitchell, Lake Street Dive, and more.

At Bennington Theater, Ethan designs and manages professional sound systems to ensure an exceptional audio experience for both audiences and performers. He’s also worked as a grip and lighting tech on major productions for Netflix, HBO, and 20th Century Fox, and served as director of photography on several award-winning short films.

Alexey Tarasov
Front of House, Media & Marketing Coordinator

Alexey joined Bennington Theater in August 2024. Originally from Moscow, Russia, he graduated from Bennington College in 2024 with a BA in Film/Video and Photography and also studied at UWC Robert Bosch College in Germany.

With experience in video production, marketing, and photography, Alexey has contributed to Bennington College’s communications and various creative projects. He directs short films and music videos, blending traditional and modern media techniques to create visually compelling marketing and outreach content for the theater.

David Dubov-Flinn
Co-Artistic Director, Community Theater

David Dubov-Flinn is a 40-year veteran of the stage as an actor, playwright, and director. One of his first appearances was in an Oldcastle production of She Stoops to Conquer as Diggory in 1982. His credits include a long career in the Washington DC area, California, and England. Training: Bennington College, Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

John Lugar
Co-Artistic Director, Community Theater

John Lugar is a physician turned filmmaker, stage actor, director and educator. At Dartmouth he studied architecture and was a member of The Dartmouth Players. He has an M.D. from Cornell and an MFA in film directing from The American Film Institute. He worked in Hollywood for over 20 years and has produced projects for United Artists, 20th Century Fox, and Warner Brothers.

Suzanne Wessler
Producer, New Works Series

Suzanne Wessler is a playwright, director, and co-founder of the experimental Ravenswood Theatre in NYC. Her producing credits span the NYC International Fringe Festival, the International Alternative Theatre Festival in Madrid, and multimedia performances and exhibitions in Long Island City.

She currently produces the New Works Series at Bennington Theater—now in its third year—highlighting original plays and emerging voices.