“I believe in building communities, not just mounting productions.”
Specialities include: Devising, Community-Based Performance Projects, Verbatim/Documentary Theatre, Adaptations, Shakespeare, Physical Theatre, Site-Informed/Immersive Work
Artistic Director: Third Ridge Theatre, currently producing “HouseWork,” an ongoing project presenting a play in each room of Jen’s house.
Directing (recent select credits)
Four Seasons Theatre at Cafe Coda. Madison, WI.
When the Music Stops: The Anita O’Day Story (director/dramaturg) 2020
Third Ridge Theatre (Jen’s kitchen)
(director/dramaturg for Miss American Pie) Madison, WI – 2019
1812 Productions Jilline Ringle Solo Performance Residency
(director/dramaturg for Miss American Pie) Philadelphia, PA – 2019
Broom Street Theater. Madison, WI.
Lysistrata (text adaptation/direction) 2019
Fresco Opera Theatre. Madison, WI.
The Queen of the Night (world premiere) 2018
Four Seasons Theatre. Madison, WI.
The Spitfire Grill, 2017
UW-Madison. (touring)
Hunger/Here (project curation of original devised work) 2017
The Dragon (text adaptation/direction) 2016
Open Society Institute. Budapest, Hungary.
No Feedback, 2016
Forward Theater. Madison, WI.
Spotless – Someone’s Gotta Do It Monologue Festival, 2016
[redacted] – Out of the Fire: The Banned Books Monologues, 2015
Atlantic Stage. Myrtle Beach, SC.
Doubt, 2015
Rabbit Hole, 2013
Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. Cambridge, UK.
Richard II, 2014
REVIEWS
Miss American Pie:
“. . . like we’re arriving at a house party.”
The Taming of the Shrew:
“This comedy never fails to enchant. . . Jen Plants’ taut, strong direction has the actors indulging in lots of physical comedy and demonstrating facility with the language.”
“It’s always a pleasure when Shakespeare is accessible and fun. Under the direction of Jen Plants, The Chatham Players has accomplished that goal.”
–Liz Keill, The Alternative Press
Rabbit Hole:
“Seeing Atlantic Stage’s presentation of this award-winning play could be one of the most rewarding — albeit heartwrenching — two hours you’ve ever spent with your clothes on.”
Jen Plants 