In this twofer episode, Tori and Mabelle talk with Moxie Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director, Jennifer Eve Thorn, about the evolution and mission of Moxie Theatre; Moxie’s play submission process; Jennifer’s approach to text; and the upcoming world premiere of Diana Burbano’s play, “Sapience” (a co-production with TuYo Theatre).
Next, they chat with multi-hyphenate theatremaker Vanessa Duron, about the joys and challenges of both directing and acting in “Sapience.” Vanessa also discusses how she connects to text; her involvement with Moxie Theatre and TuYo Theatre; the themes of communication and connection in “Sapience”; and why she disagrees with audience silence in the theatre.
Writing prompt #1 (courtesy of Jennifer Eve Thorn)
Inspiration Frame. Jennifer shared an inspiration hack inspired by Corita Kent. Take a note card and cut a tiny window in the card. Always keep this card with you and when you need inspiration, hold this card so you can see through the frame. It will give you a picture or a window into an image that is inspirational. It eliminates all of the noise and helps you focus. Here is an example of Jennifer’s Note Card Frame!
Writing prompt #2 (courtesy of Vanessa Duron)
Communication & Connection. What does communication mean to you and how can we use it to make a deeper connection?
Check out Moxie Theatre: www.moxietheatre.com
Jennifer Eve Thorn’s bio:
Jennifer Eve Thorn – Executive Artistic Director, MOXIE Theatre is a director and one of the founders of MOXIE Theatre. She received her degree in Theatre from the College of Santa Fe. Prior to MOXIE, she served as the Casting Associate and an Administrator in the Artistic Department at the San Diego REP. She is a recipient of the Global Leadership Award from The Young Presidents Organization and was nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year Award. Directing credits at MOXIE include Dog Act (w/ Delicia Turner Sonnenberg,) Fall, Devil Dog Six (w/ Esther Emery) (SD Theatre Critics Circle Award, Best New Play), Victoria Martin-Math Team Queen (KPBS Patte Award, Outstanding Direction), The Sugar Syndrome, Drink Me, Expecting Isabel, The Crucible (w/ Intrepid Theatre Company) and Coming Attractions (w/ Jo Anne Glover,) Hickorydickory, Mud Blue Sky, Enron, Lesson 443, Our Lady of Kibeho, The Revolutionists, Ironbound, The Madres (w/ Patrice Amon) Herland, Hookman (in Assoc. with SDSU) and Dance Nation.
Vanessa Duron’s bio:
Vanessa Duron is a local director. actor, playwright and producer. She graduated with a B.A. from San Diego State University in theater. Vanessa is a strong advocate for POC theater and mental health awareness. Vanessa has experience working as an artist at MOXIE Theater, TuYo theatre, Blind Spot Collective, San Diego Repertory theater, Imagine, Trinity theater and as an assistant producer for the Latinx New Play Festival and co producer for Recover Me. She has both performed and directed for the San Diego county Fair and has written and acted for an international theater in Lima Peru, Teatro Taripay Pacha.
Read Diana Burbano’s play, “Sapience” on the New Play Exchange: https://newplayexchange.org/plays/356651/sapience
Stay at Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington/hyatt-house-seattle-downtown/seaxd?src=vanity_hyatthouseseattledowntown.com
The Museum of Pop Culture – One of our fave places to visit! https://www.mopop.org
Check out Christian St. Croix’s play, “Monsters of the American Cinema” at ArtsWest in Seattle: https://www.artswest.org
Watch the trailer for cult horror film “Bryan Loves You”: https://youtu.be/AMw32X0BIJk
Space Force: Quarantine! The Final Case can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRntO1pacJk