About Tom Erb
Actor · Director · Producer · Playwright · Educator · Storyteller
From the stages of Rhode Island to screens nationwide — a life devoted to the art of storytelling.
The Story
Tom Erb’s artistic journey began in the early 1960s, when a passion for theatre first took root in Middletown, Rhode Island. His early involvement in productions at Middletown High School revealed a natural instinct for performance and direction — culminating in a standout performance as Jud Fry in Oklahoma! during his senior year, a portrayal that earned praise from classmates, teachers, and theatre supporters alike and became one of the defining moments in the school’s theatrical history.
Those formative experiences established the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the arts. He later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts from Roger Williams University, where he refined both his artistic philosophy and technical discipline.
His education extended far beyond the classroom. Over the years, Tom sought out workshops and apprenticeships with some of the most legendary names in the industry — Stella Adler, Burt Reynolds, Charles Nelson Reilly, and Avery Schreiber. Each experience peeled back another layer of the craft, shaping his approach to character, storytelling, and theatrical truth.
As a director, Tom Erb has developed a reputation for bringing emotional clarity, visual imagination, and authenticity to the stage. From productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Noises Off, A Few Good Men, and My Three Angels — to the intimate emotional landscape of Love Letters and the comedic brilliance of Born Yesterday — Tom consistently transforms scripts into vivid theatrical experiences across theaters
Training & Education
🎓 Roger Williams UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre Arts | ⭐ Stella AdlerAdvanced acting workshop with the legendary teacher | 🎬 Burt ReynoldsWorkshop and industry apprenticeship | 🎭 Charles Nelson Reilly & Avery SchreiberPerformance workshops deepening comedic craft | 🏛 Adrian HallApprenticeship at Trinity Repertory Theatre, Providence, RI | 🎪 Michael GrandoStudied Mime at Roger Williams University |
Community & Advocacy
Newport Rocks the FortConcert producer for the Sundown Thursday free summer concert series at Historic Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island. Featuring national and regional acts, the series brought thousands to the Fort throughout the summer season. | Trinity Ministry of the ArtsServed as Artistic Director of Trinity Church Ministry of the Arts in Newport, RI — building a stage, producing musical dramas in alternative spaces, and founding a summer youth arts camp program. | Newport Folk & Jazz FestivalsLong-standing involvement with the world-renowned Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, contributing to the cultural life of one of America’s most storied arts communities. |
Newport RI: The SeriesExecutive Producer Created and executive produced the original television series bringing the watercolor portraits of artist William Heydt to life through narrative storytelling. | Rhode Island Comic ThrowdownEvent Founder, Producer & Host · 2011 A long-running weekly Thursday night stand-up competition held across Newport venues including The Gas Lamp Grille, Billy Goode’s Tavern, and Jimmy’s Saloon. Running seven weeks with fourteen comics competing for advancement to the semi-finals, the Throwdown was judged by notable figures including Frank O’Donnell, Dave DiLorenzo, and Suzanne Delle, and hosted by 2010 champion Brian Beaudoin. Marketed as “the funniest five dollars you will ever spend,” it became a true platform for Rhode Island comedy — launching performers toward larger comedy circuits and national stages. | Newport International Film FestivalVolunteer Coordinator Coordinated volunteers in support of one of New England’s premier film festivals, helping connect filmmakers and audiences in Newport, Rhode Island. |
What They Say
“As our run of Born Yesterday comes to an end, I want to take a moment to thank our incredible director, Tom Erb. Under Tom’s direction, this play became something truly special. He didn’t just direct a show; he created a family. From day one, he built an atmosphere of trust, teamwork, creativity, and heart that brought all of us together in a way that felt rare and magical. I honestly believe Born Yesterday will be remembered as one of the standout productions in Lemon Bay Playhouse history.” Gina Scarda · Cast Member, Born Yesterday | “Tom, from day one, your enthusiasm and passion were evident and contagious. You shared your wealth of experience and insights, helping everyone develop their characters. You challenged us to go deeper and grow more. Your technical skills in blocking and movement enabled the actors to flow. Most importantly, you made us all feel connected to our characters and to each other.” Chris Pramschufer · Cast Member, Born Yesterday |
“Tom Erb is not just a talented director. He is one of those rare directors who has both the artistic vision and the people skills to transform a group of individuals into a cast that creates something truly memorable. Not every great actor can direct. Not every director understands actors. Very few people can walk into a room with complete beginners and seasoned professionals and get both groups to deliver performances that feel authentic, connected, and alive. Tom does that naturally. That is a rare gift.” Dr. William Horton · Theatrical Collaborator | “Tom is a dedicated professional and creative force in the theater industry. He works to achieve his vision both on stage and off, managing people and ideas to further the project’s ultimate goals.” Al Deston · Professional Musician |
“Tom is an idea man with a lot of energy. He knows everyone and can put you in touch with the right people. Got an idea? Tom can implement it and you’ll have fun along the way.” Suzanne Delle · Theatre Professional | “Tom and I have worked on several theatrical projects together. I have always found him to be resourceful, talented and professional in every way.” Michael Healy · Actor |
“Tom immediately puts the actor at ease, creating an atmosphere that encourages the best possible performance. He commands a very real, down to earth style that keeps every moment true, on camera and off. He raises your game through positive feedback and by leading by example.” Holt Murray · Entertainment Account Management | “Tom has managed to revive the theater scene in Newport with his unending energy, enthusiasm and dedication. Among his many talents he has a wonderful way with and devotion to working with young artists.” JaNell Henry · Non-Profit Professional |
“Tom is a passionate, motivated director/producer. He gives his crew support and clear direction then allows them room to express themselves to the fullest.” Kim Fuller · Photographer | “Tom is a tireless worker with the creative abilities to not just conceive intriguing program ideas, but to bring people together to make them happen. It’s truly amazing to see the number of loose ends Tom has been tying together as he brings his dream of Newport RI – The Series to fruition.” Paul Zangari · Communications Professional |
“Tom is doing a remarkable job creating and developing his Newportant Series. He is enthusiastic, highly organized and motivating to everyone involved in the project.” Susan Wyoral · Research Analyst | “Tom C. is a phenomenal leader and visionary of film production. His ambition is infectious, and his energy stimulates everyone around him to create highly creative and big-picture productions.” Matthew R. Lacombe · Filmmaker |
“Tom C. Erb is highly recommended. He is always professional, to the point, well organized and very enthusiastic. I was most impressed with his story boards and the script he wrote. He knew his material cold — well thought out, with a unique creative concept.” Ray Meyerson · Project Partner | “I have worked with Tom C. Erb on many projects. Tom works tirelessly to make sure every aspect of a project is covered and can be completed on time.” Gregory W. Hall · Aquidneck Media LLC |
“Tom has been a great asset in helping Opera Providence make its mark. He has produced several videos of our live performances over the past few years. He is reliable and very talented at what he does.” Nanci DeRobbio · Opera Providence | “Tom is very personable with great energy and command of situations. Whenever Tom and I have had the opportunity to work on a project, I know that he will have the details and plan ready to go.” Cliff Christian · Designer & Audio Engineer |
“Tom is a dedicated and enthusiastic person to work with. He is creative and talented when it comes to organizing and implementing events. He is detail oriented and somehow manages to juggle many things at once.” Jackie Lapierre · Business Manager |
“Tom is an extremely energetic and staunch supporter of ALL of the Arts in Rhode Island. The amount of time and energy that Tom puts into his useful artist and patron resources has really helped our organization reach a much broader audience.” Jennifer Sunderland · Arts Professional | “When I think of Tom these words come to mind: energy, creativity, humor, community, networking, outreach, theatre, big heart and fun. He turned a basement into a recording studio and is shining the light on many who might not be heard or known.” Barbara Donahue · Artist & Dancer |
“Tom C. Erb has single handedly taken the idea of promoting the arts in the Newport community to a higher place. His media efforts have gained critical exposure for local artists. Tom really has made a difference.” Derek Esher · Yacht Broker & Musician | “In all these different media formats, I found him to be extremely knowledgeable, a wonderful promoter of the arts and a compelling radio/TV host and personality. He has been a wonderful addition to the local art scene.” Katie Dyer · Experience Entrepreneur & Marketing Strategist |
“Tom C. Erb is an outstanding professional, excellent communicator who approaches his work with a great deal of passion on a consistent basis. He is an individual of great integrity.” Joe Rocco · Entertainment Professional | “Tom Erb is a driven go-getter with a world of wonderful ideas he simply makes happen. As Artistic Director of Trinity Church Ministry of the Arts in Newport RI, with little funds he accomplished much in a very short period.” Ruth Meteer · Art & Public Relations Professional |
“Original thinking, artistry, business sense, generosity, and chutzpah seldom come in a single package, and rarely co-exist. They do here.” Robert M. Bailey · Marketing Professional | “Tom C. Erb is a man that makes things happen. He attacks his projects with relentless tenacity and the utmost professionalism. A great leader and tremendous motivator.” Charles Duncan · Screenwriter |
“Tom C. Erb is a businessman who understands his responsibilities and follows through. Any business that hires Tom or asks for consultation will be pleased with what he is capable of.” Anita Trezvant · Director/Owner, Hope Gallery | “Tom is a terrific person. He is honest and always has a kind word for you. He works hard at everything he does and will never rest until it’s done right.” Dave DiLorenzio · Comedian |
“I had the pleasure of doing a music score for an amazing play script written by Tom. He made every moment of my journey through this task thrilling. He is talented, kind, supportive, patient, enthusiastic, respectful, very hard working and full of gratitude. I honestly could not have asked for a better person to team up with.” Ellyn Fleming · Singer / Songwriter / Musician | “Tom Erb is a human dynamo who single-handedly makes artistic endeavors — theater, film, radio, art shows — happen. I knew him for 8 years in Newport, Rhode Island and in that time he did the Herculean. He turned a town focused on sailing, food and drink, and tourism into a place that had a thriving art scene. He is a renaissance man who is also an energetic asset to all whom he comes in contact.” Franco D’Alessandro · Playwright / Professor of Playwriting |