PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

Youth Theatre, Puppetry, Theatre for Social Change, Circus Arts, LGBTQ issues in theatre, Non-Western Theatre, Pedagogy, Physical Theatre, Theatre in the MidWest, and Community Theatre

PERSONAL INTERESTS:

Talk Radio, Social Justice, Religion, Coffee, Colonialism, Feminism, Bridge, Travel, Food & Cooking, Jackelopes,  and Cowboy Boots.

About JEN Luke

Jen was raised in Vermillion, South Dakota where she learned her love of theatre at a very young age. She was a naturally loud child who could always be heard in the back row so naturally she gravitated toward the stage. She had the privilege to act as a child at the University of South Dakota and she knew from an early age that she was wanted to make theatre her home. 


Jen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a double major in Theatre Arts and Global Studies in 2006. While at the University of Minnesota, Jen conducted a research project on how street theatre can and has been used as a catalyst for social change in India. During this time, she collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund and traditional Rajasthani artists to create both jobs and increase awareness for wildlife preservation. 


Jen also collaborated with Central Touring Theatre In St. Paul, MN where she worked with youth to develop a touring play focusing on issues of race, cultural acceptance and identity. One aspect of this project was supported by The American Anthropological Association. They worked together to create content and empower youth voices of color for their nationally-toured exhibit “Race: Why Are We So Different” which is now on permanent exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota.    


After graduation, Jen was an AmeriCorps volunteer for two years working for theatre and arts organizations.  Later, Jen worked with the Washington State Endowment for the Arts as a teaching artist.  


In 2012, Jen graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, with a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts where she also taught as an adjunct professor. During this time, she developed a passion for puppetry and focused her work on directing theatre for young audiences. She created programming that brought artists to remote and rural islands giving young people exposure and appreciation for theatre. 


In addition to her creative background Jen also has a solid administrative background as well.  She spent several years in Lincoln, NE  where she was the Producing Artistic Director of the Haymarket Theatre where she produced and directed over 20 productions. She worked for the Black Hills Playhouse where she wore many hats during her near decade of employment as the Education Program Director, Company Manager and Customer Service Manager.  Jen spent several years working professionally in Chicago where she was the Audience Development Manager for the extensive theatrical programming sponsored by the Chicago Park District. Later, she was the Assistant Box Office manager at Court Theatre, an Equity theatre company housed within the University of Chicago. It was an honor to work there in the seasons directly impacting the 2022 win of the Regional Theatre Tony Award. 



Currently, Jen is the theatre manager at a beautifully renovated 882 seat theatre which was originally a 1920’s vaudeville house in Pontiac, MI. This jewelbox of a space hosts both for-profit and nonprofit performances. In addition to all front of house operations, Jen has recently been reviving the nonprofit youth programming. The specific aim of this work is to bring together young people from across socioeconomic and racial backgrounds to build understanding,  friendships and community.