Pictured: Kaden Weis and the ensemble.
Pictured: David Miller and Ruby Fanning kneel in front of the ensemble.
Pictured: Kady Thompson, Emma Schwartz, Stephen Blotzke
Pictured: Bailey Carlson, Kairi Lising, Emily Albright, Camille Ball, Cassie Berg, Samantha Mitchell
Pictured: Terry Vaughn and Tim Gilster
Pictured: Alex Wendel and Jana Latchaw
Hi! I'm Jacob.
Welcome! If you're here, you probably already know that I'm a working theatre director, playwright, and acting teacher.
Currently, I am the Instructor of Directing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. By way of introducing other parts of myself (beyond my CV, which is available on this website) here are some of the things of daily life that are important to me and that inform my artistry (no particular order… I think):
- I’m a dad and a partner. Brianne and I are raising our goofy, wildly intelligent son Arthur… The bags under my eyes are earned.
- I’m an ensemble guy. Rehearsal is the daily practice of building a family and a world, and I love the work of imagining new theatre experiences from the ground up with a group of enthusiastic, generous artists.
- I’m that annoying “outdoorsy” type guy – hiking, backpacking, and general adventuring. (This might explain why so much of my work is obsessed with people in motion: momentum, collision… people who reveal themselves by what they do, not what they claim.)
- I’m drawn to work that pursues something divine and true, and celebrates how we see those soul deep characteristics manifested in all of us.
- I build the culture of my rehearsal studios and classrooms very intentionally – leading with kindness, practicing real collaboration, staying silly. These are things that Uta Hagen calls “character.” I, like her, think this kind of artistic character isn’t just good for your reputation, it actually makes the art better, riskier, more vulnerable.
On this website you can find:
- production photos from my work
- a full cv detailing my training and academic experience
- information about the podcast I co-host with Jackson Nickolay, No Script. Each week on No Script, Jackson and I have another “unscripted conversation about theatre’s best scripts.” We look at a play’s context and themes, as well as analyzing structure, characters, and technique.
If you’re looking for plays that I’ve written, check out my NPX profile or shoot me an email if you don’t have an NPX account. I’m happy to share!
If have a project to propose or are otherwise interested in working together, please reach out to me at jacobmannchristiansen@gmail.com.
Thanks for stopping by!
-Jacob
Explore My Production Work
Featured Works presents a curated selection of my strongest projects, where vision, craft, and attention to detail come togetherto create exceptional outcomes.
Explore My Scripts
Cast Size 2
Monster + Farmer
Genre: adaptation, adventure, fable/folktale, science fiction, young audiences
Cast Size 2
The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans..
Genre adaptation, comedy, fable/folktale, horror
Cast Size 2
Explore My Scripts
“Clarkston” by Samuel D. Hunter | S16.E06
“Crimes of the Heart” by Beth Henley | Special Summer Episode
“Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” by Dave Malloy | S16.E015
“Untitled hamlet play” by Rory O’Neill | Special Summer Episode
“Mr. Wolf” by Rajiv Joseph | S16.E014
“Desdemona, A Play About a Handkerchief” by Paula Vogel | S16.E012
“How I Learned to Drive” by Paula Vogel | S16.E013
“Mother Play” by Paula Vogel | S16.E010
“The Long Christmas Ride Home” by Paula Vogel | S16.E011
Access my full CV and read my statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the theatre and higher education.
Get in Touch with Jacob Mann Christianesen
If you’re interested in reading my plays, visit my NPX profile or contact me directly—I’m happy to share them. If you’d like to discuss a project or explore a collaboration, please reach out to me.
Thanks for stopping by!