Amy Barron Smolinski, former Executive Director, Growing Stage Theatre Co.

Jess has years of experience in stage management and directing. She possesses a strong artistic vision, and the organization and dedication to bring that vision to life. She has excellent communication skills and a keen sense of visual arts which informs the technical aspects of her productions. In 2002, I hired Jess to direct a children’s workshop production of Alice in Wonderland for The Growing Stage in northern Virginia. She was able to bring to life the fantastical world of Lewis Carroll with a deep respect for both the shadow side of the story and the children’s experience. The students and parents were all enthralled with the production and had a wonderful experience working with her. I previously knew Jess when we both trained at Shenandoah Conservatory, and her professionalism and work ethic is unquestionable. Her work with nonprofit organizations rounds out her skillset to make her a formidable asset to any theatre or production.