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Jenna Alstad - Performance Artist

Jenna is a 22 year old artist currently living in St. Paul, MN studying theatre and social justice at Hamline University. She is passionate about poetry, painting, and sharing stories through a broad spectrum of lenses. While at Hamline, Jenna has spent much of her time studying Theatre of the Oppressed techniques in relationship to community development, performance, and social change. While much of her work does not resemble the typical TO style, she incorporates elements of TO into every part of her creative process, allowing for unique and poignant work that speaks to the people the work is for.

Education

Hamline University St. Paul, MN 2019

  • Theatre Arts Major

  • Social Justice Major

  • Sociology Minor

  • Dean’s List; 3.95 GPA

Scholarships and Awards

  • Erickson Social Justice Scholarship

  • William Kimes Theatre Scholarship

  • Robbins Scouting Scholarship

  • Flint Scholarship

  • LJ Whitely Scholarship

  • Hamline Honors Scholarship

  • NMP Theatre Scholarship

  • National Honors Society

Experience

Social Justice & Community Based Theatre

Theatre of the Oppressed Facilitator

Hamline University Theatre St. Paul, MN 2015 - 2019

  • Active member/facilitator of Making Waves Social Justice Theatre Troupe

  • Collaborated in ethno-script-writing with The Warehouse Gallery in Chicago, IL

  • Assistant director: The Vagina Monologues at Shakopee Correctional Facility

  • Trained in Theatre of the Oppressed techniques, devising, & script writing

  • Attended 2018 Pedagogy & Theatre of the Oppressed Conference

Student Artist

HECUA: Art for Social Change Minneapolis, MN Spring 2018

  • Semester of social justice learning based in community action and arts leadership

  • Created two original public performance pieces

  • Co-coordinated a multidisciplinary art installation at Pillsbury House Theatre

Youth Coordination Assistant

Pillsbury House and Theatre Minneapolis, MN 2018

  • Coordinated/Facilitated:

    • “Mothers With Voices” poetry showcase for teen moms

    • Global Youth Service Day project with youth in the college readiness program

    • College tours for youth in college readiness program

Youth Performance Artist

New Minowa Players Theatre Decorah, IA 2011 - 2017

  • Director of 2016 Young People’s Production “A Man of No Importance”

  • Lead designer of 2015 Young People’s Production “Urinetown: the Musical”

  • Co-director of 2014 Young People’s Production “The Burnt Part Boys”

  • Co-taught summer drama program for children (ages 5-13) for four years

  • Co-choreographer for Young People’s Productions of “13: the Musical”, “The Burnt Part Boys”, and “Urinetown: the Musical”.

Literary Arts Teacher/Americorps Literacy Vista

Pillsbury House and Theatre Minneapolis, MN 2017

  • Taught literacy through performance to 16 students ages 5-8 several times per week for 8 weeks

Contact Me

jalstad01@hamline.edu

563-419-0040

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