Jen Shirley

Jen Shirley is a seasoned drama education professional with extensive experience in teaching and directing. Currently serving as a Drama Curriculum Specialist at The Juilliard School since February 2020, Jen also directs the Youth Company Acting Lab at MCC Theater, where weekly acting classes are provided alongside directing an off-Broadway production called "UnCensored." In addition, Jen has held roles as a Teaching Artist at Lincoln Center Theater, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Theater For A New Audience, specializing in programs that engage high school and middle school students, including those learning English. As a co-founder of Creative Stages NYC, LLC, Jen focuses on integrating theater into classroom settings. Past roles also include teaching at the Professional Performing Arts School/Waterwell and Enact, as well as directing high school students in Shakespeare productions at Pittsburgh Public Theater. Jen holds an MFA in Theater from The Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University and a Bachelor's degree in Theater from Sarah Lawrence College.