History
The founders of The Journey Theatre Project, although holding different beliefs, found themselves in a faith based, long term shelter for their final thesis project during their Masters in Applied Theatre program at CUNY for SPS. And so the Mission Project was born.
The Three Midwives, a title given to the founders of JTP by their Mission participants was inspired by the idea of helping the participants to give birth to their own ideas and stories through performance. JTP uses playbuilding, process dramas, workshops, data inquiry, forum theatre, storytelling, dialogue, and innovative tailored theatre experiences to engage with participants. JTP ‘s love of theatre is coupled with an awareness of social inequities in theatre and society alike. Participant centered planning is a cornerstone of JTP’s work. In this way they model an equitable form of theatre and social engagement.
Purpose
The Journey Theatre Project (JTP) works with non-profits, corporate entities, educational, religious and community organizations to create a brave space for courageous conversations. We challenge traditional power structures, and disrupt unconscious bias through the use of theatre, dialogue, game, and data. We build theatre with communities around social and local issues. JTP is dedicated to fighting against white supremacy and the violence it has always and continues to have on black and brown bodies. We believe, reflection, dialogue and action are all needed to create transformation.
Our work is rooted in Paulo Freire‘s Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Freire believed not in leading others but rather in supporting folks to get where they want to go. We use storytelling and share performances to empower those we work with to find their own path to shifting their world. We support people who want to learn about themselves and the world they inhabit in order to transform it. “…the word is more than just an instrument that makes dialogue possible; accordingly, we must seek its constitutive elements. Within the word we find two dimensions, reflections and action, in such radical interaction that if one is sacrificed-even in part--the other immediately suffers.” Paulo Freire
Who we are
Esther Triggs
CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Esther Triggs has dedicated her career to educating communities in diversity, equity and inclusion practices. She works to shift perspectives utilizing her unique background in theatre, corporations and educational environments. Esther is an alumnus of Cornell’s Diversity and Inclusion certificate program. She supports organizations in understanding the perceptual, institutional, and psychological process which impact the bottom line of an organization and how we, in community, interact with each other and create a culturally competent workplace. Esther, a graduate of CUNY SPS’ Master of Applied Theatre program, utilizes theatre for social justice work. Esther’s unique experience in both theatrical and corporate settings allows her to bridge gaps in facilitating conversations which leads to empowerment of individuals and groups toward equitable solutions. Esther is also the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Esther believes in creating brave spaces for courageous conversations and transformation.
Chelsea Hanawalt
CO-FOUNDER, DRAMA THERAPY, EDUCATION CONSULTANT.
Chelsea is a drama therapist, applied theatre practitioner, early childhood educator, and founder of allow the sun. Chelsea is from the central coast of California and attended the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA). She received her undergrad in performing arts at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. In Seattle, Chelsea helped start boom! an original works theatre company which led to her relocating to New York City. Chelsea is currently working towards her registered drama therapist (RDT) credential at the Drama Therapy Institute of LA. She has her MA from CUNY’s Applied Theatre Program. Chelsea has experience leading white affinity groups and assisting on Equity and Diversity teams. Chelsea is passionate about doing anti-racist, anti-bias work with young folks and adults using theatre and mindfulness practices.
Nicole Kontolefa
CO-FOUNDER, INTERGENERATIONAL AND ADULT SPECIAL PROJECTS.
Nicole was born and raised in New York City in a bilingual, immigrant household. After graduating from the Moscow Art Theatre Conservatory, she co-founded Studio Six, a theatre company dedicated to cross-cultural exchange. Working abroad she learned the value of theatre as a language that bridges difference, story as a way into understanding and common ground. She has taught at Butler University and in the Department of Corrections of New York. She has devised and co-facilitated workshops on inclusion, using theatre as a forum for change in urban and rural communities. Nicole uses theatre as a process for reflection, engagement, and self-care. Nicole has also completed Moderator training in Sustained Dialogue at Butler University.