ROCKLAND — Ryan Jackson has been hired by The Strand Theatre as Program Coordinator, a newly created position. Operating as a nonprofit for a decade, the Strand has become a fully-fledged arts organization by offering a wide variety of programs on its stage and screen and expanding its services and reach beyond the walls of the 100-year-old theater. 

Jackson joins the Strand team to assume responsibility for programming the Strand’s extensive film, live music, performing arts, and community educational offerings. As Program Coordinator, he will continue to bring to Strand audiences the high-quality programming they are accustomed to, while also exploring new opportunities that build new audiences.

A theatre graduate of the University of Maine, Jackson is a teaching artist who was born and raised in Midcoast Maine. Performing professionally throughout the state — and the northeast — for the last 25 years, he currently serves as site coordinator for Afterschool Programming at RSU 13’s middle school branch. For the past five years, Jackson has conducted an after-school drama class, in cooperation with Strand Education Program Coordinator Brittany Parker, at the Strand. The class has given local middle school students a sense of ownership over their downtown theater, a place in Rockland where they feel comfortable and welcomed. 

The Strand Theatre’s executive director, Jessie Davis, sees Jackson as an invaluable addition to the team, according to the Strand, in a news release.

“Ryan’s professional knowledge, paired with his understanding of the Midcoast community, means we can continue to serve our existing audiences and partners while also ensuring that our visiting artists experience all the care and hospitality the Strand and Rockland have to offer,” said Davis. “Additionally, Ryan will support the growth of our programming, which is the heart of the Strand’s magic — I can’t wait to see where we go from here!”

For more information about the theater, visit www.rocklandstrand.com or call (207) 594-0070 EX 3. The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main St., Rockland.