Bios
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, The Dog Pound, The Troll Bridge, and Sorceress. He has taught music and drama in the Philadelphia School District and the Delaware County School District. Next up: developing his new horror musical, Pocket Full of Posies.
Jen Jaynes – Associate Artistic Director, Director – is a graduate from Kutztown University (2007) with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Performance and an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. Following her undergraduate studies, she apprenticed with Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem, PA. There she studied clown, Le Coque, and creating original ensemble works. Jen is an active performer with Without a Cue Productions (15+ years), an interactive theatre company for which she has written shows, performed directed, and was the Director of Business Development. In 2009, she helped start up High Dramma, Philadelphia’s premier sketch comedy group, for which she throughly enjoyed acting and writing. At MacGuffin, she has directed several productions such as Wicked, Legally Blonde Jr, Annie Jr, High School Musical, Shrek the Musical Jr., Descendants and High School Musical 2. She also directs MacGuffin’s comedy improv troupe, This Side Up. She lives in Manayunk with her husband Brandon, step-son Oliver, one-eyed cat Buzz, two parakeets, and a school of 30+ guppies. Up next: Jen directs Puffs!
Liz Fredette – Director in Residence, Director, Choreographer – has been involved in theatre, in some way or another, since 1986 when she had the leading role in her 1st grade play. Twenty-plus years later, she’s still here! Liz attended Sarah Lawrence College where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Education, with a focus on theatre education and acting.
Liz has been working with MacGuffin since 2003, where she does and has functioned in myriad roles—Director and Choreographer being two of her favorites. She directs MacGuffin’s mainstage spring show, usually embarking on a Shakespearean or Greek adventure. She was the prior (and first) Associate Artistic Director at MacGuffin. Currently, Liz he is the resident director of The Mechanicals Acting Troupe and resident choreographer for MacGuffin’s cabaret troupe The Singin’ Bohemians. She has also directed and choreographed shows at many schools in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, including: The Philadelphia School, Germantown Friends School, Chester Arthur Elementary (now MANA), and Greenfield Elementary School. Over the years, she has worked with several theatres and theatre outreach programs in Philadelphia and New York, including Arden Theatre Company and Lunchbox Theatre Outreach (2003 Arts Award, Education for Outreach Theatre Program; 2003 Sarah Lawrence College Community Service Award).
Liz is also the Administrative Manager at Lombard Swim Club where she has worked in some capacity since she was 16 years old, and founded and still directs Poolside Players, a summer drama program. She lives in Point Breeze with her kiddo, Bex, and their cat Gerald. She is currently directing a one-woman-show that will premiere during Philly Fringe—keep your eye out for tickets to Happy Camper! Next up? Directing Antigone this Spring
Lily Cohen – Staff
Tina Lynch – Choreographer and Instructor
Adrienne Maitland-Laguda – Choreographer
Molly McQuoid – Director and Instructor
Rebekah Rickards, Choreographer and Instructor
Taylor Molt – Instructor and Voice Teacher
Queade Norah – Instructor and Voice Teacher
MacGuffin Board of Directors
Gerri Trooskin, President
John Wolfersberger, Vice-President
Andrea Carroll, Treasurer
Darcy Krause, Secretary
Members
Julie Shuster
Sarah Young