Dramaturg for Book-It Repertory's Jane Eyre

Jennifer also worked as the Dramaturg for Book-It Repertory’s adaptation of the Victorian classic, Jane Eyre this summer. Jane kicked off the 2018/2019 Season, adapted and directed by Julie Beckman.

What is a Dramaturg?

Dramaturgy is defined as the art or technique of dramatic composition and theatrical representation, and a dramaturg or -turge is a specialist. In other terms, a Dramaturg works as an historian and compiles contextual information about the source material (in this case, the novel Jane Eyre) and its author, the time period, locations, and other relevant information to provide historical context and accuracy to the director and actors to deepen the understanding and richness of the world of the play.

In addition to compiling research packets for the actors and creative team, Jennifer wrote essays published in the show program, and created interactive content for the theatre lobby display.

Read a snippet of Jennifer’s work shared on Book-It’s Blog here:

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Lobby content includes a timeline of Charlotte Brontë’s life, early stage productions of Jane Eyre dating back to the mid 19th century, information on Brontë’s decision to publish under her male pseudonym, Currer Bell, a matching game with other famous female writers and their pseudonyms, and information on the real-life inspirations for the locations in the novel, all written and compiled by Jennifer Ewing.

Photo: Jennifer Ewing

Sings The Hits at Theatre22

NOW OPEN: SINGS THE HITS by Scotto Moore

From Katie McKellar (Director) and Jennifer Ewing (Assistant Director):

We are excited to bring you the newest show in our 2nd Stages series. Our 2nd Stages series was developed to give more opportunity to new work and new voices in the Seattle area. 

This Halloween, we invite you to join us with our latest episode of Signal Loss which explores sexism and manipulation in the music industry through the ages. As Ellie says in the show, sexism is pervasive. It is something we see everyday. The exploitation of women and the manipulation of their bodies and minds is something that affects people globally, nationally, and within our own communities, not just within the industry of music. 

This show was written before the sexual exploitation by certain men in the entertainment industry became headline news. This show asks questions of all of us: How do we perpetuate this behavior? How do we stop it? How do we help those who have suffered from targeted and casual sexism, harassment, and assault?

Sings The Hits runs through November on select days/nights at 12th Avenue Arts on Capitol Hill in Seattle, WA. 

Production photos courtesy of Margaret Toomey.

We've received great reviews from audiences and critics, including Drama In The Hood: 

This production moved me to tears, and I encourage everyone of every age, gender, and life experience to come and take part in this story.

 

The story that unfolds is an unflinching indictment of male privilege in the music industry and the deep wounds it leaves in those that suffer from the harassment and assault that is far too common and far too easily overlooked. The conversations that occur are ones that so many have had in everyday life; the excuses, the minimizing. One line that stood out to me beyond any other, and is still rattling around in my head hours later, is, “Don’t grade consent on a curve.” If that doesn’t capture 21st century rape culture, I don’t know what does.

 

An honest devotion to the theme of love and fighting for oneself above all else gives this new play the wings to soar.
 

Read more at Drama In The Hood online.

Assistant Director of Theresa Rebeck's 'Downstairs' At aCT Theatre

PREMIERE!

Downstairs was chosen for production from T22 and ACT’s new play festival THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE in 2016. 

Opening June 16th at A Contemporary Theatre in downtown Seattle, Jennifer is Assistant Directing DOWNSTAIRS, the newest play from renowned playwright and screenwriter, Theresa Rebeck. 

A co-production between Theatre22 and ACT, Downstairs is helmed by award-winning director Julie Beckman.

From Theatre22 about Jennifer's role on the team: 
 

Jennifer Ewing has worked as Theatre22's resident scenic painter/artist for the past few seasons as well as having jumped onboard the T22 staff recently as our associate producer.  For Downstairs, Jennifer is aiding the production's artistic development as our assistant director. In a recent interview, Jennifer states, "...I was thrilled to be brought on board the Downstairs team for many reasons, all of which check substantial career goals on my list! Being in the room with talent and creatives of this caliber, and having the opportunity to collaborate with Julie, Christine, John and Brandon to bring this fantastic script to life is a gift and an incredible learning opportunity for me as an artist. And to be working on a brand-spanking-new Theresa Rebeck script? Magic!"

About the play:

What happens when a brilliant lost soul comes to stay in his sister’s basement and refuses to leave? And if the menacing brother-in-law doesn’t approve?  In a dog-eat-dog world, these siblings find a haven of sorts in an unfinished basement as they attempt to make sense of the past and negotiate how to move forward into the future.  Unusual relationships, power plays, and surprising humor abound in Theresa Rebeck’s compelling new play which explores the nature of family, of memory, and of sanity.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.theatre22.org/downstairs or http://www.acttheatre.org/Tickets/OnStage/Downstairs or at the ACT Box Office.  

June 16th - July 9th
In the Bullitt Cabaret at ACT Theatre, 700 Union Street
Thursday – Fridays at 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
 

*PWYC Preview Wednesday June 14th

**Special Industry Night Tuesday June 27th at 8pm

Cast: Christine Marie Brown*, Brandon Ryan, John Q. Smith

*Member: SAG AFTRA & AEA

The Fern Shakespeare Company

Jennifer is pleased to announce she has been invited to join the 2017 Acting Company of The Fern Shakespeare Company. 

As a member of The Fern, she will be performing with the rest of the company in the upcoming production of Macbeth opening in Seattle, WA in May 2017. Stay tuned for more show details!  

A bit about The Fern from their website:  

The mission of The Fern Shakespeare Company is to promote cultural diversity and to strengthen and serve our community through performance and education.

Using original practice and direct address techniques as our guide, Fern Shakespeare Company (FSC) “breaks down the walls” that stand between the audience and the words of William Shakespeare.  

FSC produces work that connects audience to actor, actor to text, and community to art. We extend this vision to all that we do; serving our community and changing lives through the beauty of Shakespeare.

The Fern Theatre Company was founded in Atlanta, GA by two actors; Jessica Hunt and Douglas Graham.  We began producing modern and new plays, and in 2012 produced our very first Shakespeare play. The Fern produced an all female production of Macbeth. This led to the development of our Classically female series. Since 2012 we have produced three more all female Shakespeare plays; Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and King Lear. In the summer of 2016 the decision was made to move the company to Seattle, WA and turn our focus specifically towards producing Shakespeare. Thus, The Fern Shakespeare Company was born!

As You Like It

Thanks to everyone who came out to the show! 

"Rosalind" in As You Like It

By William Shakespeare

November 6-21, 2015 produced by Ghost Light Theatricals at the Ballard Underground in Seattle, WA

Directed by Emily Harvey

Love, sex and philosophy haunt the forest of Arden where best friends Rosalind and Celia have been banished. After Rosalind meets Orlando in the forest, however, she is caught between a feeling of skepticism and crazy stupid love. As You Like It subverts the traditional rules of romance. Gender roles, nature and politics are confused in a play that reflects on how bewildering yet utterly pleasurable life can be. You will see how, as Jaques puts it, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
“Rosalind is Shakespeare’s most compelling female character,” says director Emily Harvey, “She’s funny, she’s complicated, she’s not quick to jump into a relationship. We also get to see a wonderful female relationship between her and her best friend, Celia. They keep each other grounded, they laugh at each other, they help each other.”

Along with the feminism and the sexy modern romance, As You Like It will feature five songs, expertly played by a live band. These timeless covers, everything from Stevie Wonder to Magnetic Fields to Missy Elliot, will come from the Americana inspired band, played by actors Daniel, Charlie, Heidi and Gabriela with music direction by Tom Wiebe.

Featuring the talents of Jennifer Ewing, Jenifer Ross, Sarah Beason, David Klein, Patrick Daniel Safarti, Patrick Hurlburt, Matthew Gilbert, Rebecca O’Neil, Annie St. John, Charlie Schuster, Gabriela Aleman, Heidi Cheyenne, Rachel Burrington, Ben Symons and Beth Pollack.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: Emily Harvey

Asst Director: Danny Herter

Stage Manager: Erin Dorn

Production Manager: Abigail Pishaw

Set Designer: Brandon Estrella

Light Designer: Angelo Domitri

Music Director: Tom Wiebe

Sound Designer: Rob Raas-Bergquist

www.ghostlighttheatricals.org