John Rea (Artistic Director, Musical 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. 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 Outand 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, Snake Bait and The 13 Clocks. He has taught music and drama in the Philadelphia School District and the Delaware County School District.
Liz Fredette (Director in Residence, Choreographer) has been involved in theatre, in some way or another, since 1986 when she had the leading role in her 1st grade play. Liz attended Sarah Lawrence College where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Science in Education, with a focus on theatre education and acting. She has worked in myriad capacities on more than 30 productions with MacGuffin – some of her favorite MTF credits include: Matilda, The Brutus Files, Much Ado About Nothing (2020), Hamlet, A Year with Frog and Toad, Metamorphoses, As You Like It, Honk!, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo + Juliet 2015, The Lion King (2014), Much Ado About Nothing (2011), Dodger, and Twelfth Night. Liz is the Associate Artistic Director at MacGuffin where she has functioned as: Director; Assistant Director; Choreographer; Stage Manager; Costume, Set, and Props Designer; Company Manager; and Instructor. Outside of her work at MacGuffin, Liz is also the Creator and Director of Poolside Players, a theatre group for kids ages 5-13 at Lombard Swim Club. She has taught and directed theatre at various schools in the Philadelphia area, including Friends Select, The Philadelphia School, Germantown Friends School, and Schwartz Preschool. Over the years, she has worked with several theatre companies and programs in Philadelphia and New York, including Arden Theatre Company and Lunchbox Theatre Outreach. A huge thanks to all her students, past and present, for their dedication and inspiration. This and everything is for Bex. Next up? Directing The Odyssey!
Jen Jaynes (Associate Artistic Director, Production Assistant, Acting Coach) is a graduate from Kutztown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Performance, and has her Masters 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. For the past fifteen years, Jen has performed for Without A Cue Productions, an interactive murder mystery company, and Family Stages, a traveling children’s theatre company. In 2009 she helped to start up High Dramma, Fishtown’s premier sketch comedy group. At MacGuffin she has directed Wicked, Legally Blonde Jr, Annie Jr, High School Musical, Shrek the Musical Jr., and Descendants. She also directs MacGuffin’s comedy improv troupe, This Side Up. Jen thanks all of the parents, Board of Directors, family members, and MacGuffin supporters for helping these actors find a place here at MacGuffin where they can grow and belong!
