John Rea (Artistic Director and Writer/Director) graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and a Teaching Certificate (K-12). He also received an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. He was the director of Discovery Division for youth at the Walnut Street Theatre from 1995-99. He was the Literary Manager/Dramaturg for Philadelphia Theatre Company from 1997-99. For the past 26 years he has overseen all MacGuffin productions and teaches a variety of classes there. He has directed several film projects for MacGuffin including: More Than Anything (2018), Clueless, After Midnight Scream for Monty Python’s Ghostbusting Brother, Getting Out and Chasing the MacGuffin (documentary), Happy Birthday and A Real Kiss. He has composed music to many shows including Arcadia and The Women of Argos. As a playwright/composer/lyricist he has written The Skeleton Woman, Mak and the Shepherds, Cinderella Story, More Than Anything, The Three Trees, As I Do (Playwriting Award, Cleveland Public Theatre), The Lost, The Cruel Sister, A Place Called Up, The Tale of Orpheus,Mischief Manor, Dodger, The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, The Fiery Furnace, Eden, The Witches, Wendy’s Story, Jonah and the Big Fish and Vito, The Snakes of Fangore (Jackie White Memorial Prize, 3rd place), The 13 Clocks, The Bees, and Sorceress. He has taught music and drama in the Philadelphia School District and the Delaware County School District. Next up: writing the musical sequel to Sorceress entitled, The Foreign Wife.
Jen Jaynes (Associate Artistic Director, Director) is a graduate of Kutztown University (B.A. Vocal Music Performance) Villanova University (MA Theatre). She apprenticed with Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem, PA, where she honed her skills in clowning, the Le Coq method, and creating original ensemble works. For over 15 years, Jen has performed with Without a Cue Productions, an interactive theatre company where she has written, performed, directed, and served as Director of Business Development. In 2009, she joined High Dramma, Philadelphia’s premier sketch comedy troupe where she explored writing and performing sketch comedy. At MacGuffin, Jen has directed numerous productions, including Wicked, Legally Blonde Jr., Annie Jr., High School Musical, Shrek the Musical Jr., Descendants, and She Kills Monsters. She is also the director of This Side Up, MacGuffin's comedy improv troupe. Jen lives in Manayunk with her husband Brandon, stepson Oliver, their one-eyed cat Buzz, two parakeets, and a school of over 30 guppies. Congratulations to the entire cast and creative team on this endeavor! Thank you to all of the family and friends of these performers and donors who helped make this experience possible.
Joey Schulman (Artistic & Administrative Assistant, Stage Manager) is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, where she earned a degree in Theatre History and Performance Texts. Throughout her career, she has worked in various capacities, including director, dramaturg, actor, choreographer, stage manager, seamstress, and writer. Joey has directed and written productions for inner-city public schools in Washington, DC, and dramaturged several projects during her undergraduate studies. This is her second year at MacGuffin, and her first as Artistic & Administrative Assistant. She is grateful to the MacGuffin community, as well as Jen, John, and Liz, for their continued support, which has given her the opportunity to create, inspire, and grow both as an artist and as a person. A special thanks to Emma Ditnes for her encouragement during the transition into this role, and to Eli and her cat, Macchiavelli, for always being there with love and devotion.
