Applied and Youth Theater — Jennifer Onopa

I’ve been making theater with young people through arts and educational organizations for 25 years. I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with young people in public schools, community centers, universities, juvenile detention facilities, a student veterans center, and a foster care shelter.

I work from the core belief that all people are artists and have valuable stories and ideas to share, and that the experience of sharing these stories with an audience invites deeper connection and a sense of belonging for all participants.

Selected examples of these collaborations are below.

UMASS Community EngagementI developed and facilitated numerous drama workshops for high school students both on- and off-site to support transitions to college and to support student understanding of mainstage theater productions. — **UMASS Community Engagement**
I developed and facilitated numerous drama workshops for high school students both on- and off-site to support transitions to college and to support student understanding of mainstage theater productions.

Redmoon Theater DramagirlsFor two years, I co-directed the Dramagirls Youth Mentorship program, which paired middle school girls with an adult artistic mentors to create performances based on personal stories. — **Redmoon Theater Dramagirls**
For two years, I co-directed the Dramagirls Youth Mentorship program, which paired middle school girls with an adult artistic mentors to create performances based on personal stories.

School -based drama programsI started drama programs at the School for Human Rights and Vanguard High School, directing youth participants in numerous productions. Additionally, I have facilitated many workshops throughout New York City and Chicago,… — **School -based drama programs**
I started drama programs at the School for Human Rights and Vanguard High School, directing youth participants in numerous productions. Additionally, I have facilitated many workshops throughout New York City and Chicago, as well as Pune, India, (pictured here), engaging youth from kindergarten to college in dramatic explorations.

Theater Instructor and Production Consultation /UMass Upward BoundFor three summers I instructed theater courses and served as a residential director for students participating in the UMass Upward Bound Summer Institute. Students create original the… — **Theater Instructor and Production Consultation /UMass Upward Bound**
For three summers I instructed theater courses and served as a residential director for students participating in the UMass Upward Bound Summer Institute. Students create original theater expressing their identities and ideas as counternarratives to societal messaging.

Gallery 37 ProjectsI facilitated four school residencies in puppetry and performance in Chicago public schools, focusing on student inclusion and access. — **Gallery 37 Projects**
I facilitated four school residencies in puppetry and performance in Chicago public schools, focusing on student inclusion and access.

Redmoon Theater Children's CompanyFor two years, I assisted Frank Maugeri in the direction of the Redmoon Theater Children's Company, creating original works of puppetry and performance inspired by stories and local history. "Horsetails, Housetales:… — **Redmoon Theater Children's Company**
For two years, I assisted Frank Maugeri in the direction of the Redmoon Theater Children's Company, creating original works of puppetry and performance inspired by stories and local history. "Horsetails, Housetales: Puppet Histories of Logan Square" appeared at the Steppenwolf Theater garage performance space.