Time in Greater OC: 1-year as resident; lifetime as theatre artist/audience

Neighborhood: Huntington Beach/Bolsa Chica

Hometown: Long Beach

What are you currently working on?

I am grateful that for the last 2 years I've been able to say, I'm almost always dramaturging something! In between dramaturgy projects I'm working on lectures and grading, writing and editing, rehearsing and singing. My ultimate project is my relentless pursuit of being the best auntie in the universe!

What's been inspiring you recently?

How theatre artists are coming back from a global pandemic and stepping into their art with determination, grace, resilience, artfulness, and eyes toward social justice and equity.

Tell us a story from your childhood that illuminates who you are as an artist.

When I was 7 years old I conceptualized, directed, produced, costume designed, choreographed, managed front of house and concessions, and starred in a backyard production for my neighborhood of The Little Mermaid, starring my sister and neighbor as twin "Ariel"s and me as every other character in the show!

Who are or were your theatrical heroes?

Peters, Patinkin, & Sondheim; Hallie Flanagan, Gwen Verdon, Fosse choreography, Angela Lansbury, Anne Bogart, Audra McDonald, the Pig Iron Theatre Company, Twyla Tharp, Patina Miller, Allison Janney, Joshua Henry, Sherie Rene Scott, Lindsay Mendez, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Michaela Coel

What kind of theatre excites you?

Theatre that gets at the truth of life whether through joy or pain or music or dialogue or dance; it just has to tell the truth. Also, really good musicals. Also, really brave solo shows.

Outside of a theatre, what's your favorite hot spot in Orange County?

Bolsa Chica Wetlands, it can get kinda toasty in the afternoons. But mostly it's just a lovely space full of delightful wildlife.

Go ahead, promote your things...

Website: www.jennyjacobs.net
IG: @dr_jenny_jacobs