Nevada Arts Council

Jeanmarie Simpson

City of residence: Glendale, Arizona
  • Theatre
  • Literary Arts
  • Dance
Tracks: Community, Education
Program Types: Classes, Community Building/Community Art, Event, Family Friendly, Festival, Performance, Professional Development, Residency, Virtual Event, Workshop, Conference
Language Proficiencies: English
Audiences: Young Adult (18-26), Adult, Older Adult (50+), Individuals with Special Needs/Disabilities, Military and Veterans, Grades 6-8 (Middle School), Grades 9-12 (High School), Grades K-5 (Elementary School)
Venues: Community Facility, Concert Hall, Convention Center, Creative Space, Event Space, Festival, Gallery, Health Care Facility, Higher Education, Historical Venue, Hotel, Justice Facility, Museum, Resort, Restaurant or Bar, School, Senior Center, Theater
Willing to Travel: Statewide, Northern Nevada, Southern Nevada, Rural Nevada, Carson City, Churchill County, Clark County, Douglas County, Elko County, Esmeralda County, Eureka County, Humboldt County, Lander County, Lincoln County, Lyon County, Mineral County, Nye County, Pershing County, Storey County, Washoe County, White Pine County

Jeanmarie Simpson has extensive teaching experience in Shakespeare, adaptations, and improvisation. She is the founding artistic director of Arizona Theatre Matters and previously founded the Nevada Shakespeare Company, which she ran from 1989 to 2009. Known for her innovative stagings, particularly of Shakespeare’s works, Simpson has taught workshops, classes, master classes, and seminars with a commitment to universal accessibility and inclusivity. Her work emphasizes empathy, justice, and equality, merging art with activism. As an "artivist," she uses theater to challenge perspectives, spark engagement, and advocate for universal access.

A woman with short, gray hair and light makeup smiles slightly while sitting outdoors in front of green leafy plants, wearing a dark top.

School & Community Workshops

Sample and Current Programs:

“Universal Design in Theatre Education:” A workshop guiding educators on creating universally accessible arts experiences.

“Empathy-Driven Narratives:” A masterclass on storytelling techniques that build empathy and understanding.

“The Art of Artivism:” A seminar exploring the role of art as a vehicle for social change.

“Historical Storytelling for the Modern Classroom:” A dynamic course helping educators animate historical narratives.

“Finding Your Creative Voice:” An interactive session designed to help participants identify and express their unique artistic perspectives.

Professional Development Workshops for Teachers and Organization Staff: Simpson’s professional development offerings include:

Inclusive Storytelling Techniques: Practical tools for educators to diversify and deepen their storytelling practices.
Virtual Program Development: Strategies for arts organizations looking to maximize virtual engagement.
Teaching with Artivism: A seminar designed to help educators inspire students through the intersection of art and activism.

Areas of Expertise: While Simpson’s expertise spans numerous aspects of theater and education, her current focus includes:

Virtual Arts Education
Universal Design in Learning
Social Justice and Activism Through Storytelling
Empathy-Centered Narrative Development

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