Dramaturging at Chance Theater
Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess
world premiere by Jenny Connell Davis | May 5 - June 4, 2023
A New Play by Keiko Green
OTR Reading | August 9-12, 2023
Such Small Hands by Adam Szymkowicz
OTR Reading | October 11, 2023
Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess
world premiere by Jenny Connell Davis | May 5 - June 4, 2023
A New Play by Keiko Green
OTR Reading | August 9-12, 2023
Such Small Hands by Adam Szymkowicz
OTR Reading | October 11, 2023
Exotic Deadly, or The MSG Play
by Keiko Green
Directed by Jennifer Chang
It’s 1999, and Ami is an awkward, Japanese American high school girl, just trying to stay as invisible as possible. But her world comes crashing down with a terrible discovery: her family is responsible for manufacturing MSG, the poison spice getting all the kids hooked. Meanwhile, a mysterious new girl arrives from Japan, and she’s not playing by the rules. In this riotous and hilarious time-traveling adventure, Ami vows to save the world from MSG and realizes what she’s capable of, if she would just stop being invisible.
by Keiko Green
Directed by Jennifer Chang
It’s 1999, and Ami is an awkward, Japanese American high school girl, just trying to stay as invisible as possible. But her world comes crashing down with a terrible discovery: her family is responsible for manufacturing MSG, the poison spice getting all the kids hooked. Meanwhile, a mysterious new girl arrives from Japan, and she’s not playing by the rules. In this riotous and hilarious time-traveling adventure, Ami vows to save the world from MSG and realizes what she’s capable of, if she would just stop being invisible.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
December 9 — 23, 2022 (Relaxed Performance Dec. 17 at 12:00pm)
What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh, la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, she has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. She simply cannot wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, does Christmas still stand a chance of being splendiferous? Recommendation: Ages 4 and up. Great for the entire family.
December 9 — 23, 2022 (Relaxed Performance Dec. 17 at 12:00pm)
What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh, la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, she has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. She simply cannot wait to decorate the Christmas tree. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, does Christmas still stand a chance of being splendiferous? Recommendation: Ages 4 and up. Great for the entire family.
A Thousand Maids
BY Tony Meneses
DIRECTED BY Sara Guerrero
OTR Reading
October 12, 2022
In every artistic context, the imagery of a woman of color in a maid’s uniform will immediately spark controversy. A Thousand Maids looks at this legacy, from actors who are still asked to wear the uniform now, to cinematic foremothers like Lupe Ontiveros and Butterfly McQueen.
BY Tony Meneses
DIRECTED BY Sara Guerrero
OTR Reading
October 12, 2022
In every artistic context, the imagery of a woman of color in a maid’s uniform will immediately spark controversy. A Thousand Maids looks at this legacy, from actors who are still asked to wear the uniform now, to cinematic foremothers like Lupe Ontiveros and Butterfly McQueen.
We Ain't Ever Gonna Break Up:
The Hymon & Parfunkel Story
BY Gregg Hammer & Louis Pardo
DEVELOPED WITH AND DIRECTED BY Scott Weinstein
OTR Workshop Production: August 12, 2022 — August 28, 2022
The first jukebox musical about, and featuring the songs of, a band that never existed. This original two-man folk musical parodies the tired tropes of jukebox musicals like Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Beautiful, Ain’t Too Proud…and the 12 inevitable “new” bio-musicals coming soon. Saul Hymon & Bart Parfunkel “star” in their own musical, playing themselves, their own instruments, and the dozens of other characters they meet along the way, creating a uniquely virtuosic musical farce about brotherhood, partnership and the power of collaboration…if they don’t break up first.
The Hymon & Parfunkel Story
BY Gregg Hammer & Louis Pardo
DEVELOPED WITH AND DIRECTED BY Scott Weinstein
OTR Workshop Production: August 12, 2022 — August 28, 2022
The first jukebox musical about, and featuring the songs of, a band that never existed. This original two-man folk musical parodies the tired tropes of jukebox musicals like Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Beautiful, Ain’t Too Proud…and the 12 inevitable “new” bio-musicals coming soon. Saul Hymon & Bart Parfunkel “star” in their own musical, playing themselves, their own instruments, and the dozens of other characters they meet along the way, creating a uniquely virtuosic musical farce about brotherhood, partnership and the power of collaboration…if they don’t break up first.
Chance Theatre OTR Reading Dramaturg
BY Exal Iraheta
DIRECTED BY Brooke Aston Harper
August 3rd and 7th, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Gifted scientist Dr. Mirian Reyes has discovered a method of using mycelium cells to heal damaged brains. So when her radically progressive son, Dagoberto, is left in a vegetative state after a performance art show turns violent, Mirian uses her research to revive him. However, the results are not as she imagines after his consciousness takes a life of its own, leaving Mirian in deep shiitake.
BY Exal Iraheta
DIRECTED BY Brooke Aston Harper
August 3rd and 7th, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Gifted scientist Dr. Mirian Reyes has discovered a method of using mycelium cells to heal damaged brains. So when her radically progressive son, Dagoberto, is left in a vegetative state after a performance art show turns violent, Mirian uses her research to revive him. However, the results are not as she imagines after his consciousness takes a life of its own, leaving Mirian in deep shiitake.
Chance Theatre OTR Reading Dramaturg
BY Jenny Connell Davis
DIRECTED BY Khanisha Foster
Matinicus: A Lighthouse Play is based on the true story of Abigail Burgess, a young lighthouse keeper’s daughter, living on a rock 25 miles off the coast of Maine. A one-woman play of humor and heroism, about keeping the lights on at any cost.
BY Jenny Connell Davis
DIRECTED BY Khanisha Foster
Matinicus: A Lighthouse Play is based on the true story of Abigail Burgess, a young lighthouse keeper’s daughter, living on a rock 25 miles off the coast of Maine. A one-woman play of humor and heroism, about keeping the lights on at any cost.
Chance Theatre OTR Reading Dramaturg
MUSIC & LYRICS BY Jill Sobule
BOOK & LYRICS BY Krista Knight
DIRECTED BY Jocelyn A. Brown
A brand new pulpy riot grrrl musical adaptation of The Scarlet Letter written by singer-songwriter Jill Sobule (“I Kissed a Girl,” “Supermodel”) and our 2020 Resident Playwright Krista Knight (Shooter!, Crush, Lipstick Lobotomy). In this musical, poetic justice has finally come for rebellious teen Winnie. She’s going to fail summer school and have to repeat the 11th grade unless she’s able to complete a book report. But that’s not the worst part. The worst part is that the book is Nathanial Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter—which Winnie does NOT want to read. Well, that’s too bad because she’s in a whole play about it.
MUSIC & LYRICS BY Jill Sobule
BOOK & LYRICS BY Krista Knight
DIRECTED BY Jocelyn A. Brown
A brand new pulpy riot grrrl musical adaptation of The Scarlet Letter written by singer-songwriter Jill Sobule (“I Kissed a Girl,” “Supermodel”) and our 2020 Resident Playwright Krista Knight (Shooter!, Crush, Lipstick Lobotomy). In this musical, poetic justice has finally come for rebellious teen Winnie. She’s going to fail summer school and have to repeat the 11th grade unless she’s able to complete a book report. But that’s not the worst part. The worst part is that the book is Nathanial Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter—which Winnie does NOT want to read. Well, that’s too bad because she’s in a whole play about it.
Tartuffe by Molière
New Original Translation by Jenny Jacobs
In this timeless, charming, and clever play Molière, through brilliantly created characters, explores true hypocrisy within 17th-century French society. Join us for an evening filled with rhythm, rhyme, and wit as we aim to excavate the false piety that remains in our own society using the theatrical traditions of the Comedy of Manners.
October, 7-9 & 14-16, 2021 | Directed by Karole Foreman
New Original Translation by Jenny Jacobs
In this timeless, charming, and clever play Molière, through brilliantly created characters, explores true hypocrisy within 17th-century French society. Join us for an evening filled with rhythm, rhyme, and wit as we aim to excavate the false piety that remains in our own society using the theatrical traditions of the Comedy of Manners.
October, 7-9 & 14-16, 2021 | Directed by Karole Foreman
Chance Theatre OTR Reading
Professor Leia is befuddled by the task of ushering undergrads into the dramatic principles of playwriting and life lessons simultaneously. When a student brings in a violent play, she suspects him of being a possible school shooter. As Leia’s home life becomes more dangerous, she doubles down on her fear of the potential shooter. A dark comedy about the danger of the dislocation of fear—both to the object of that fear and its agent.
Professor Leia is befuddled by the task of ushering undergrads into the dramatic principles of playwriting and life lessons simultaneously. When a student brings in a violent play, she suspects him of being a possible school shooter. As Leia’s home life becomes more dangerous, she doubles down on her fear of the potential shooter. A dark comedy about the danger of the dislocation of fear—both to the object of that fear and its agent.
Chapman University Theatre Department
2021-2022 Season
Tartuffe by Molière, Original adaptation by Jenny Jacobs, Directed by Karole Foreman
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, Directed by Thomas F. Bradac
Native Gardens by Karen Zacarias, Directed by Sara Guerrero
Zanna Don’t! A Musical Fairytale by Tim Acito and Alexander Dinelaris, Directed by Nick Gabriel
2021-2022 Season
Tartuffe by Molière, Original adaptation by Jenny Jacobs, Directed by Karole Foreman
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, Directed by Thomas F. Bradac
Native Gardens by Karen Zacarias, Directed by Sara Guerrero
Zanna Don’t! A Musical Fairytale by Tim Acito and Alexander Dinelaris, Directed by Nick Gabriel
Chance Cyber Chat
Just because the doors of the Bette Aitken theater arts Center are temporarily closed, it doesn't mean that the Chance and our audiences can't still get together, connect and chat about compelling theater that is available online! Join Friday, November 13 at 8:00pm to for a Chance Cyber Chat about What The Constitution Means To Me, written and performed by Heidi Schreck and available to watch online on Amazon Prime Video.
Just because the doors of the Bette Aitken theater arts Center are temporarily closed, it doesn't mean that the Chance and our audiences can't still get together, connect and chat about compelling theater that is available online! Join Friday, November 13 at 8:00pm to for a Chance Cyber Chat about What The Constitution Means To Me, written and performed by Heidi Schreck and available to watch online on Amazon Prime Video.
AERA 2020
San Francisco, CA - Virtual Conference
In April educators from across the continent convened virtually to explore the theme: “The Power and Possibilities for the Public Good When Researchers and Organizational Stakeholders Collaborate." My work about the value of the performing arts in education as well as a co-presentation with colleagues about facilitating collegiality for Non-Tenure-Track Faculty in higher education were included in this conference's virtual catalogue of resources.
San Francisco, CA - Virtual Conference
In April educators from across the continent convened virtually to explore the theme: “The Power and Possibilities for the Public Good When Researchers and Organizational Stakeholders Collaborate." My work about the value of the performing arts in education as well as a co-presentation with colleagues about facilitating collegiality for Non-Tenure-Track Faculty in higher education were included in this conference's virtual catalogue of resources.
10th Annual Leadership Symposium
January 25, 2019 from 8:30-2:00pm at CSULB
I was accepted as a presenter for this symposium where I got to pilot a workshop about utilizing Theatre, Dance, and Music techniques to enhance leadership and teaching practices. The 2018 EDLD Symposium featured keynote speaker Chris Nellum who delivered a poignant and insightful keynote that challenged the systemic problems in our current educational systems and governmental choices.
January 25, 2019 from 8:30-2:00pm at CSULB
I was accepted as a presenter for this symposium where I got to pilot a workshop about utilizing Theatre, Dance, and Music techniques to enhance leadership and teaching practices. The 2018 EDLD Symposium featured keynote speaker Chris Nellum who delivered a poignant and insightful keynote that challenged the systemic problems in our current educational systems and governmental choices.
Student Affairs in Urban Serving Institutions: Voices from Senior Leaders
Edited by Anna M. Ortiz
Click Here to Order via Amazon
Student Affairs in Urban-Serving Institutions: Voices from Senior Leaders addresses a critical gap in literature concerning the unique structure, students, and missions of urban-serving institutions (USIs). Examining the challenges and contributions of student affairs professionals in serving and meeting the needs of urban students, this volume discusses how services and interventions must reflect the reality of students, understand the sociopolitical forces that affect students’ lives, and bring together a network that includes family and community. Each chapter in this volume captures the voices of student affairs leaders who not only share a range of important professional experiences, insights, and lessons learned but also unpack research and literature on competencies, knowledge bases, and experiences needed to work in urban universities and community colleges. This important book will help graduate students as well as new and continuing professionals, faculty, and scholars impact practice and policy and become agents of change in their communities.
Edited by Anna M. Ortiz
Click Here to Order via Amazon
Student Affairs in Urban-Serving Institutions: Voices from Senior Leaders addresses a critical gap in literature concerning the unique structure, students, and missions of urban-serving institutions (USIs). Examining the challenges and contributions of student affairs professionals in serving and meeting the needs of urban students, this volume discusses how services and interventions must reflect the reality of students, understand the sociopolitical forces that affect students’ lives, and bring together a network that includes family and community. Each chapter in this volume captures the voices of student affairs leaders who not only share a range of important professional experiences, insights, and lessons learned but also unpack research and literature on competencies, knowledge bases, and experiences needed to work in urban universities and community colleges. This important book will help graduate students as well as new and continuing professionals, faculty, and scholars impact practice and policy and become agents of change in their communities.
Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.)
Defended: April 29, 2019, Graduated: May 21, 2019
Link to ProQuest Publication of Dissertation (due late Summer)
California State University, Long Beach
PUTTING IT TOGETHER: A GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH TO EXPLORING THE ROLE OF PERFORMING ARTS STUDIES IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Defended: April 29, 2019, Graduated: May 21, 2019
Link to ProQuest Publication of Dissertation (due late Summer)
California State University, Long Beach
PUTTING IT TOGETHER: A GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH TO EXPLORING THE ROLE OF PERFORMING ARTS STUDIES IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
UnHeard LA
Sept 23, 2018 at 5:30pm
at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach
I was one of 10 storytellers sharing brief insights into what it's like living in LA and Long Beach, in particular. This FREE event produced by KPCC, LA's local NPR station, was in it's second season and was renewed for two additional seasons! Storytellers come from all over LA county and each performance is a wonderful evening of community and sharing - for more Unheard LA events Click here
Sept 23, 2018 at 5:30pm
at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach
I was one of 10 storytellers sharing brief insights into what it's like living in LA and Long Beach, in particular. This FREE event produced by KPCC, LA's local NPR station, was in it's second season and was renewed for two additional seasons! Storytellers come from all over LA county and each performance is a wonderful evening of community and sharing - for more Unheard LA events Click here
8th Annual Leadership Symposium
January 27, 2018 from 8:30-2:30pm at CSULB
I had the privilege of sharing some of my work around the value of the performing arts in higher education during a poster session at this symposium. The 2018 EDD Symposium featured keynote speaker Stedman Graham. I had the privilege of speaking to a reporter from the Daily 49er who included some quotes from me about my experience during the symposium
Click here to read the Article!
January 27, 2018 from 8:30-2:30pm at CSULB
I had the privilege of sharing some of my work around the value of the performing arts in higher education during a poster session at this symposium. The 2018 EDD Symposium featured keynote speaker Stedman Graham. I had the privilege of speaking to a reporter from the Daily 49er who included some quotes from me about my experience during the symposium
Click here to read the Article!
Fundraiser for the Palo Verde Ave Christian Church
with Sally Curry
October 28, 2017 at 4:00pm
PVACC, 2501 Palo Verde Ave, Long Beach, CA 90815
The first time I ever sang a solo was in this sweet church twenty-eight years ago. In addition to offering one of the most beloved preschools in Long Beach (the PVACC Nursery School, also known as The Teddy Bear School) PVACC is home to some of the kindest and most generous people I have ever known. I am honored to lend my voice in support of this special place. PVACC is in the midst of a capital campaign to fund some much needed renovations of the sanctuary, please come out to hear some of my favorite songs, in one of my favorite places.
Thank you to all who supported this campaign, PVACC was able to meet their fundraising goals, thus ensuring this local icon will remain a steadfast symbol of this tremendous community for many, many years to come!
with Sally Curry
October 28, 2017 at 4:00pm
PVACC, 2501 Palo Verde Ave, Long Beach, CA 90815
The first time I ever sang a solo was in this sweet church twenty-eight years ago. In addition to offering one of the most beloved preschools in Long Beach (the PVACC Nursery School, also known as The Teddy Bear School) PVACC is home to some of the kindest and most generous people I have ever known. I am honored to lend my voice in support of this special place. PVACC is in the midst of a capital campaign to fund some much needed renovations of the sanctuary, please come out to hear some of my favorite songs, in one of my favorite places.
Thank you to all who supported this campaign, PVACC was able to meet their fundraising goals, thus ensuring this local icon will remain a steadfast symbol of this tremendous community for many, many years to come!
What If?
January 20 & 21 at 7:00pm
Sunday 1/22/17 at 4:00pm
The Found Theatre, Long Beach, CA
Musical Direction by Eddy Clement
As a child growing up in Long Beach, Jenny Jacobs, often wondered and worried about the future by asking the question, "What If?" Jenny returns to the stage of The Found Theatre, after sold out performances of her original cabaret, COMING HOME in 2015, to share the ways in which life has answered that big question. Song selections from some of her favorite Musical Theatre and American Standards combined with stories from her childhood in Long Beach, adventures abroad, and present day, tell the story of what happens when you always wonder...What if?
Click here to read the Review!
January 20 & 21 at 7:00pm
Sunday 1/22/17 at 4:00pm
The Found Theatre, Long Beach, CA
Musical Direction by Eddy Clement
As a child growing up in Long Beach, Jenny Jacobs, often wondered and worried about the future by asking the question, "What If?" Jenny returns to the stage of The Found Theatre, after sold out performances of her original cabaret, COMING HOME in 2015, to share the ways in which life has answered that big question. Song selections from some of her favorite Musical Theatre and American Standards combined with stories from her childhood in Long Beach, adventures abroad, and present day, tell the story of what happens when you always wonder...What if?
Click here to read the Review!
Children of Eden
Special Guest Performer, "Grandmother Eve"
2015 - June 12 & 13 7:00pm, June 13 & 14 at 2:00pm
The Bluett Theater, Philadelphia, PA
Invited to return to Wolf PAC for a very special 10th Anniversary Production of Children of Eden. Directed by Tim Popp, Choreographed by Betsy Wolf Regn, Musical Direction by Dave Snyder.
Special Guest Performer, "Grandmother Eve"
2015 - June 12 & 13 7:00pm, June 13 & 14 at 2:00pm
The Bluett Theater, Philadelphia, PA
Invited to return to Wolf PAC for a very special 10th Anniversary Production of Children of Eden. Directed by Tim Popp, Choreographed by Betsy Wolf Regn, Musical Direction by Dave Snyder.
Peter Pan
MTW and Minnie Gant Elementary 2015 Residency
2015 - February 27 & 28 at 7:00pm, February 28 & March 1 at 1:00pm
The University Theater, CSULB, Long Beach
Broadway's classic tale of not growing up presented by the 1st-5th graders of Minnie Gant Elementary led by MTW artists through MTW's first ever residency program!
MTW and Minnie Gant Elementary 2015 Residency
2015 - February 27 & 28 at 7:00pm, February 28 & March 1 at 1:00pm
The University Theater, CSULB, Long Beach
Broadway's classic tale of not growing up presented by the 1st-5th graders of Minnie Gant Elementary led by MTW artists through MTW's first ever residency program!
Coming Home:
Exotic Tales from the East...or...when I lived in Philly
2015 - January 23 & 24 at 7:00pm at The Found Theater, Long Beach, CA
Two completely sold out performances had audiences on their feet by the end of this 1 hour show that weaves musical theatre, jazz, and standards with tall tales of my adventures in one of the most interesting cities in the world and the journey back to my favorite place in the world, home.
With the exquisite Eddy Clement on Piano
Profits benefited the Women's Foundation of California, a publicly supported foundation dedicated to increasing economic security for California’s women and families. Learn more at www.womensfoundca.org.
Exotic Tales from the East...or...when I lived in Philly
2015 - January 23 & 24 at 7:00pm at The Found Theater, Long Beach, CA
Two completely sold out performances had audiences on their feet by the end of this 1 hour show that weaves musical theatre, jazz, and standards with tall tales of my adventures in one of the most interesting cities in the world and the journey back to my favorite place in the world, home.
With the exquisite Eddy Clement on Piano
Profits benefited the Women's Foundation of California, a publicly supported foundation dedicated to increasing economic security for California’s women and families. Learn more at www.womensfoundca.org.
Fly By
Donna Sternberg & Dancers
May 31, 2014 at 8:45 & 9:00pm
West Hollywood Park
Costumes designed for part of the ONE Night Festival. The performance featured dancers in duets and a quartet with a flying drone equipped with a wireless camera transmitting live video footage at West Hollywood Park
Donna Sternberg & Dancers
May 31, 2014 at 8:45 & 9:00pm
West Hollywood Park
Costumes designed for part of the ONE Night Festival. The performance featured dancers in duets and a quartet with a flying drone equipped with a wireless camera transmitting live video footage at West Hollywood Park
Wilson High School does not have a musical theatre program, so Musical Theatre West provides artists to work with this group of dedicated students along side the incredible staff who support musical theatre at Wilson High School. This production rehearsed for 9 weeks from January through March and ran over the weekend, March 22-23, 2014. It was a very special experience and I was extremely proud of the cast of dedicated students who gave their all to this show!
More projects at MTW are on the horizon, for information about any of the programs, please email info@musical.org
More projects at MTW are on the horizon, for information about any of the programs, please email info@musical.org
This one-woman performance played to a sold-out house on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at The Chromolume Theater in LA. This cabaret weaves musical theatre, jazz, and standards with tall tales of my adventures in one of the most interesting cities in the world and the journey back to my favorite place in the world, home. Check back in the spring for info about future performances!
With the exquisite Eddy Clement on Piano
All profits benefited the Women's Foundation of California, a publicly supported foundation dedicated to increasing economic security for California’s women and families. Learn more at www.womensfoundca.org.
With the exquisite Eddy Clement on Piano
All profits benefited the Women's Foundation of California, a publicly supported foundation dedicated to increasing economic security for California’s women and families. Learn more at www.womensfoundca.org.