HB Studio invites the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Jesse Feiler at HB Playwrights Theatre on Sunday, October 26.
Celebrating the Life of Jesse Feiler
Sunday, October 26 at 3PM
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Free
HB Studio invites the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Jesse Isaac Feiler (1947–2025)—playwright, technologist, publisher, and civic leader whose creativity bridged art and innovation. Born in Washington, D.C., Jesse passed away in Plattsburgh, New York on February 24, 2025.
Jesse studied playwriting with Herbert Berghof and went on to become one of the earliest directors of the HB Playwrights Foundation, writing the very first play produced in the HB Playwrights Theatre, directed by Berghof himself. A dedicated supporter of artists and institutions, he later served on HB Studio’s Board of Directors and as Trustee for the Hagen Estate, helping to preserve and advance the legacy of Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof.
Beyond HB, Jesse led an extraordinary life of civic engagement and creative curiosity. He served as Chief of Special Projects in Systems Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he helped pioneer early digital systems. In the nonprofit world, he was founder of Friends of the Saranac River Trail and a leader on multiple civic boards, including the City of Plattsburgh Planning Board and the Village of Philmont Zoning Board of Appeals. He co-authored The Nonprofit Risk Book (DeGruyter) and wrote numerous publications on technology and community development.
Through his publishing company Champlain Arts, Jesse helped bring seminal works to new generations, including Josef Albers’s Interaction of Color for the Albers Foundation, Uta Hagen’s memoir Sources, and The Studio Story. He also served as editor of the expanded edition of Hagen’s Respect for Acting, ensuring her influence endures for artists around the world.
He leaves behind an extended family and countless colleagues and friends who remember his humor, intellect, and steadfast generosity.
This gathering is an opportunity to honor Jesse’s many contributions—as an artist, teacher, innovator, and friend—and to celebrate the curiosity and compassion that defined his life.