The arts community in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is mourning the unexpected loss of a cultural icon. Armand Marchand, founder of the New Bedford Festival Theatre and longtime educator and mentor, has died. The news was announced in an emotional statement shared by New Bedford Festival Theatre on Facebook, which described his passing as a “tremendous loss” to the organization and the broader community he served for decades.
“For nearly 30 years, Armand brought the best of Broadway to New Bedford,” the statement read. “He produced dozens of spectacular musicals with NBFT, truly bringing the Best of Broadway to New Bedford, and winning the esteemed Moss Hart Award several times.”
A Visionary Leader in the Arts
Armand Marchand founded the New Bedford Festival Theatre in 1990, serving as its Executive Producer until 2019. Under his leadership, NBFT became a cultural beacon in the South Coast region of Massachusetts, producing professional-level musicals that drew talent from across the country and delighted local audiences season after season. His work brought Broadway-quality theatre to the Whaling City, helping to transform New Bedford into a regional destination for the performing arts.
A passionate lover of musical theatre, Marchand was not just a producer, but a tireless advocate for the transformative power of the stage. His productions received numerous accolades, including multiple Moss Hart Awards, given in recognition of excellence in theatre across New England.
A Beloved Educator and Mentor
Long before launching the Festival Theatre, Marchand was a cherished figure in New Bedford’s education system. For 35 years, he taught at New Bedford High School, where he co-directed the school’s drama club alongside his life partner, George Charbonneau. Together, they nurtured the talents of generations of students, many of whom went on to pursue successful careers in theatre, education, and the arts.
Marchand’s dedication to his students extended beyond the classroom and the stage. Former students and colleagues remember him as a mentor who inspired creativity, discipline, and self-expression — values that left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His ability to spot and develop potential in young performers and designers became one of his most enduring legacies.
A Lasting Impact
In its tribute, the New Bedford Festival Theatre emphasized the immense impact Marchand had on the lives and careers of countless individuals. “Armand had a huge impact on the careers of so many performers and designers and directors and students,” the organization wrote. “That impact, along with New Bedford Festival Theatre, is his legacy.”
Even in the wake of his passing, Marchand’s influence remains palpable. The NBFT Board of Directors affirmed that preparations for this summer’s musical would continue, stating that “the show must go on,” a mantra that Armand himself lived by and instilled in those around him.
A Community in Mourning
As news of his death spreads, tributes have been pouring in from across the local and artistic communities. Alumni, colleagues, and theatre lovers have flooded social media with heartfelt stories, expressing gratitude for the role Marchand played in shaping their lives. Many recall their first time on stage, the productions that changed them, and the enduring encouragement he offered throughout his career.
The New Bedford Festival Theatre has invited the public to use their Facebook post to share memories of Armand Marchand, allowing the community to grieve, reflect, and celebrate a life so meaningfully lived.
Remembering Armand Marchand
Armand Marchand will be remembered not only for his exceptional contributions to the theatre world but also for the compassion, dedication, and joy he brought to every project and person he touched. His life was a testament to the belief that the arts can elevate communities, unlock potential, and bring people together.
He is survived by his beloved partner George Charbonneau, his extended family, friends, colleagues, and the thousands of students and performers whose lives he helped shape. The legacy he leaves behind — in every curtain call, spotlight, and standing ovation — will endure for generations to come.
In honoring his memory, New Bedford and the greater theatre community reaffirm what Armand believed in so deeply: The show must go on.
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