As a Directographer, Jacob Brent believes in creating with commitment and passion leading him to create award-winning productions by inspiring theater artist to bring and share their talents with audiences everywhere. As a performer, Jacob is probably best known for his portrayal of Mr. Mistoffelees in the Broadway, London and DVD productions of Cats, where he worked closely with its creator, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He is the only performer to have appeared in all three, and the only actor to have performed in both of the record-breaking performances of the longest running Broadway and West End show. He also had the privilege of working with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber when he opened the original cast of Starlight Express in Las Vegas.
Now, on the other side of the table, he brings the same commitment and passion for theater to create productions such as Xanadu (Watertower Theater) and Lysistada Jones (PACE University), Fiddler on the Roof, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Avenue Q (Weston Playhouse.) He served as the choreographer for West Coast regional premiere of The Producers (Diablo Theater Company.) Directed and choreographed Cats at Merry-Go-Round Theater, Gateway Playhouse and Cohoes Music Theater. He recently worked on a new version of Rags working closely with the original creators of the show. His all-star cast of Guys and Dolls for the Indianapolis Symphony was met with much acclaim. The cast included Gary Beach (The Producers), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Hugh Panaro (Phantom) and Megan Lawrence (Damn Yankees and Hair). He later returned for Hello Dolly! staring Sandi Patty. He has also directed and choreographed the annual holiday show Yuletide Celebration for the Indianapolis Symphony the last five seasons.
When not working on productions, Jacob teaches in New York City at both Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway and well as highly involved in the Junior Theater Festival and Broadway Jr. productions inspiring a new generation of young actors.
Category Archives: Out of the Wings
Out of the Wings: Teri Ang
Teri Weisenberg Ang has been involved with theatre since she was a little girl. After a stint as piglet in Winnie the Pooh at her local recreation center, she found San Diego Junior Theatre. Having received her early training at Junior Theatre, she is proud to call herself a JT Alumna.
Teri continued her theatrical endeavors at SDSU. For over 30 years Teri has been a Theatre Educator. She was fortunate to land a dream job with the San Diego Unified School District’s only elementary performing arts magnet school. She taught theatre there for 26 years. Teri currently works as a theatre teacher at Horace Mann Middle School. She is also on the board of the San Diego Theatre Educators Alliance and Mira Mesa Theatre Guild. Her involvement in San Diego’s local theatre community keeps her busy.
Yet happily, Teri cannot seem to get away from Junior Theatre. She has been a teaching artist, board member, JT mom and a show director. Her JT directing credits include: Dr Seuss’ Cat in the Hat, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, How to Eat Fried Worms, and now, Charlotte’s Web.
Out of the Wings: Jason Maddy
Jason Maddy is an actor, singer, educator and director. Jason is directing the 2015 Junior Theatre production of Much Ado About Nothing. Previous directing credits include Shows with Canyon Crest Academy, San Diego Junior Theatre and Actor’s Alliance of San Diego.
As an actor, Jason has performed throughout San Diego County including roles with North Coast Repertory Theatre, The Old Globe Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Moonlight Stage Productions, Ion Theatre Company, Welk Resort Theatre, San Diego Musical Theater, Premiere Productions, Intrepid Theatre Company and Lamb’s Players Theatre.
Regional Theatre Credits include The Utah Shakespearean Festival, Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival.
Jason holds an MFA from the University of Illinois Urban-Champaign and is a Teaching Artist with La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe and San Diego Junior Theatre.
Out of the Wings: Catalina Maynard
Get to know the director of Maricela de la Luz Lights the World!
A native San Diegan, Catalina is proud to be a member of the Junior Theatre Family. Ms. Maynard received her training in theatre at San Diego State University with an emphasis in performance. For the past twenty years, she has worked with a variety of theatre companies and academic intuitions throughout the country which include; Minneapolis Children’s Theatre, Musical Theatre West, Company of Angels – Los Angeles, and the Harney Academy in Boston, MA, where she is currently the director of the Acting & Performance Workshops; a position she has held since 2001.
Selected projects include You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Trail of Mister Wolf, Chato’s Kitchen and Charlotte’s Web. In addition, Ms. Maynard has worked as an artist/instructor for many arts organizations throughout Southern California. Working with students K-12, her projects focus on exploration and discovery through playwriting, the importance of community using an ensemble process, and cultivating leadership skills through rehearsal and performance. Ms Maynard was awarded the CAC Artist In-Schools residency grant for three years focusing on original theatre pieces through the exploration of relevant and topical issues. Catalina is a member of ION Theatre Company, where she also co-directed The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity.