Work samples

  • Teaser for Minor Character: Six Translations of Uncle Vanya at the Same Time
    Promo vid released for the Wilma's production of "Minor Character." I served as Movement Director & Assistant Director.
  • ASH07142-75_0.jpg
    ASH07142-75_0.jpg

    Position: Co-Director

    The Acme Corporation, Baltimore’s premiere experimental theatre company, has created a stunning new piece under the co-direction of Jarod Hanson and Lola B. Pierson. The Lights Went Out Because of a Problem is a three-act opera, which comprises found text and original writing. The opera is about learning to sing. It is also about goofing off, meditating, hanging out, healing from trauma, and the  pandemic. Featuring music composed by Allison Clendaniel with the libretto found, arranged, and written by Lola B. Pierson, The Lights Went Out Because of a Problem is The Acme Corporation's first show since their pandemic piece, a play in a box called The Institute for Counterfeit Memory. This culmination of 3 years of slow and steady work is going to be a weird one you won't want to miss.

  • Flock of Dimes - Two [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
    Music video for the song “Two” from the Flock of Dimes album "Head of Roses."
  • Overtime: Men at Work Teaser
    Co-written/devised and co-directed by myself and Jonathan Beller. Originally workshopped at SUNY Schenectady and later presented at MN Fringe.

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About Jarod

Baltimore City  
Jarod is a theatre artist and educator based in Baltimore. He is a certified Margolis Method teacher and serves as Lead Faculty at the Margolis Method Center Int’l in upstate New York. He recently attained his MFA in Theatre from Towson University where he focused on developing his pedagogy and practice of creating empowering, actor-centered theatre. Recent professional collaborations include The First Thing That Happens and Putin on Ice with The Acme Corporation Theatre, … more
View Jarod's Resume
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The Lights Went Out Because of a Problem

Position: Co-director

The Acme Corporation, Baltimore’s premiere experimental theatre company, has created a stunning new piece under the co-direction of Jarod Hanson and Lola B. Pierson. The Lights Went Out Because of a Problem is a three-act opera, which comprises found text and original writing. The opera is about learning to sing. It is also about goofing off, meditating, hanging out, healing from trauma, and the  pandemic. Featuring music composed by Allison Clendaniel with the libretto found, arranged, and written by Lola B. Pierson, The Lights Went Out Because of a Problem is The Acme Corporation's first show since their pandemic piece, a play in a box called The Institute for Counterfeit Memory. This culmination of 3 years of slow and steady work is going to be a weird one you won't want to miss.

Directed by Jarod Hanson & Lola B. Pierson
Libretto found, arranged, and written by Lola B. Pierson
Music by Allison Clendaniel
Cast: Alix Fenhagen, Britt Olsen-Ecker, Hailey Withrow, Heather Morrison, Julia Creutzer, Kaya
Vision, Megan Livingston, Meghan Stanton, and Molly Margulies
Production team:
Set design: Lola B. Pierson,
Lighting design: Eric Nightengale.
Props design: Jarod Hanson & Kateri Pelton.
Costumes: Kitt Crescenzo

  • Act 1 Scene 1
    Act 1 Scene 1

    Harriet and Philip have a moment of connection.

  • Act 1 Clue Scene
    Act 1 Clue Scene

    The cast has a moment of surreal connection.

  • Act 1 Scene 6
    Act 1 Scene 6

    Characters have a moment of reverie before chaos ensues.

  • Act 2 Dear Mom & Dad
    Act 2 Dear Mom & Dad

    Sorting through our pasts to find new answers.

  • Act 2 Dear the Whole World
    Act 2 Dear the Whole World

    This one is for all of you watching us in the dark with a hand to your heart. Dear the whole world, did you hear? The lights went out because of a problem.

  • Act 2 Dear Bodies
    Act 2 Dear Bodies

    A letter about human fragility.

  • Act 3 Boundaryless Moment
    Act 3 Boundaryless Moment

    We are one, connected and indistinguishable before we find ourselves.

  • Act 3 Individuation
    Act 3 Individuation

    Through ritual we find ourselves.

  • Act 3 Cleansing
    Act 3 Cleansing

    Reflection allows us to cleanse and move forward.

  • Act 3 Finale
    Act 3 Finale

    Once we self-actualize, we can see the light and be interdependent.

    •

    • Paradise Lost

    Position: Co-director

    Production at Towson University

    “The biggest mistake any of us could make would be to underestimate Satan.”

    The seventeenth century and present day are seamlessly intertwined as Satan vents to an audience about her frustration at being cast out of Heaven and her thoughts on oppression. When she finds out that God has created delicate new creatures called “humans,” she crafts a plan for revenge and betrayal on the Almighty.

    Erin Shields turns Heaven and Hell upside down in this witty, modern, feminist retelling of John Milton’s epic poem about the first battle between good and evil. Shields’s wickedly smart and funny script questions the reasons of the universe, the slow process of evolution and the freedom of knowledge. The debate over right and wrong has never been so satisfying.

    Directed by Stephen Nunns & Jarod Hanson
    Songs by Stephen Nunns & Erin Shields
    Musical Direction by Molly Shayna Cohen
    Choreography by Jarod Hanson & Ruben Del Valle, Jr.
    Lighting Design by Jay Herzog
    Set Design by Daniel Ettinger & Natalie Bolander
    Costume Design by Julie Potter
    Sound Design, Mixing, and Music Composition by Alexander MacSween
    Stage Managed by Olivia Dibble

    Featuring:
    KP
    Conor Harris
    Jeremiah Catoe
    Jovan Brooks
    Hailey Withrow
    Gina Mattucci
    Max Ramsay
    Max Stover
    Cyan Jackson
    Lela Woodward
    Julia Creutzer
    Kieran Newell
    Brooke Donald
    David Norris
    Eddie Stockman
    Serena Walker
    EJ Roeder
    Frankie Marsh

    Photos by Katie Simmons-Barth, www.katiesimmonsbarth.com

    • Satan's Plan
      Satan's Plan

      Satan inspires the denizens of hell with her plan to despoil Eden.

    • Moloch
      Moloch

      Moloch cautions his fellow demons.

    • Angel Training
      Angel Training

      The angels train and prepare for Satan's schemes.

    • Raphael's Play
      Raphael's Play

      Raphael directs a play with his fellow angels to remind Adam & Eve of the rules and dangers that face them.

    • Satan Temps Eve
      Satan Temps Eve

      Satan convinces Eve to sample the forbidden fruit.

    • Eve Contemplates
      Eve Contemplates

      Eve reflects on her newfound knowledge and feelings.

    • Adam & Eve
      Adam & Eve

      Adam and Eve from Paradise Lost discover physical love.

    • Adam & Eve Evicted
      Adam & Eve Evicted

      Adam & Eve are expelled from Eden.

    • Ending
      Ending

      Satan and the cast address the audience as the show comes to a close.

    •

    • Minor Character: Six Translations of Uncle Vanya at the Same Time

    As Movement Director and Assistant Director, I helped bring this innovative piece to life.   "A joyful and music-filled comedic kaleidoscope. A band of actors come together to perform a warm-hearted yet bittersweet look at love, longing, and the limitations of language." Originally created by by New Saloon.
    The Wilma Theater
    Director: Yury Urnov
    Assistant Director & Movement Director: Jarod Hanson
    Full production credits at: https://wilmatheater.org/event/minor-character/
    photos by Johanna Austin, www.AustinArt.org
    • The Wilma Theater presents "Minor Character," on stage Oct. 5-24
      Teaser for "Minor Character" at the Wilma Theater.
    • Minor Character, Trees
      Minor Character, "Trees"
      The characters introduce the production with a song, "Trees."
    • Minor Character, Pickles
      Minor Character, "Pickles"
      Three Vanyas lament their lives as they make pickles.
    • Minor Character, Party Nap
      Minor Character, "Party Nap"
      Vanyas and Astrovs get sauced late into the night as Sonya crashes the party.
    • Minor Character, I'm Boring
      Minor Character, "I'm Boring"
      Yelenas sing about their existence as "minor characters" in life.
    • Minor Character, Midnight Snack
      Minor Character, "Midnight Snack"
      Sonyas prepare a midnight snack for Astrovs, hoping to connect.
    • Minor Character, Vanya Mourns His Life
      Minor Character, "Vanya Mourns His Life"
      Yelenas and Vanyas grapple with the tension of unrequited love.
    • Minor Character, Friends
      Minor Character, "Friends"
      Yelenas confront Sonyas about their relationship and their love for the doctor.
    •

    • Two

    As a collaborator, I helped solidify concepts and imagery with special focus on "Gesture Choreography" in this music video for the song "Two" from the Flock of Dimes album "Head of Roses." Per one of the co-creators/directors, Lola Pierson: "The video explores nagivating a sovereign self while in relationship with others. Filmed in January of 2021 "Two" is an attempt to honor the vital importance and joy of connection at a time when we are extremely isolated."
    • Flock of Dimes - Two [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
      Music video for the song “Two” from the Flock of Dimes album "Head of Roses."
    •

    The First Thing That Happens

    Movement Director for this innovative opera written by Lola Pierson and music by the band Horse Lords.
    Photos by Britt Olsen-Ecker
    • The First Thing That Happens, Singers Presenting
      The First Thing That Happens, Singers Presenting
      Singers Present
    • The First Thing That Happens, Actors Reaching
      The First Thing That Happens, Actors Reaching
      Actors Reaching
    • The First Thing That Happens Singers Addressing Us
      The First Thing That Happens Singers Addressing Us
      Singer addresses the audience
    • The First Thing That Happens, Singers Express the Dilemma of Communication
      The First Thing That Happens, Singers Express the Dilemma of Communication
      Singers Express the Dilemma of Communication
    • The First Thing That Happens, Actors Confide
      The First Thing That Happens, Actors Confide
      Actors confide in the worry of creation, performance, and sharing
    • The First Thing That Happens, The Cast Appears
      The First Thing That Happens, The Cast Appears
      The cast appears in a sort of introduction
    • The First Thing That Happens, Singers' Denouement
      The First Thing That Happens, Singers' Denouement
      Singers' denouement
    •

    • The Electric Baby

    Movement Director for this modern folktale produced at Towson University.  Separate lives become intertwined by a fateful tragedy and each must reconcile their previous lives with a future in the wake of stark revelations.
    Directed by Yury Urnov.
    Photos by Katie Simmons-Barth, www.katiesimmonsbarth.com
    • The Electric Baby, A Fateful Cab Ride
      The Electric Baby, A Fateful Cab Ride
      Rozie and Dan squabble in Ambibola's taxi moments before a terrible accident...
    • The Electric Baby, Unflappable Ambibola
      The Electric Baby, Unflappable Ambibola
      Rozie seeks solace in Ambibola's wisdom
    • The Electric Baby, Reed Confronts Helen
      The Electric Baby, Reed Confronts Helen
      Reed's frustration erupts as intimacy and violence clash
    • The Electric Baby, Rozie and Don Commune
      The Electric Baby, Rozie and Don Commune
      Rozie and Don find a ghostly connection
    • The Electric Baby, The Most Beautiful Thing
      The Electric Baby, The Most Beautiful Thing
      At last all the characters bask in the wondrous glow of the Electric Baby as its light flickers and douses
    •

    • Putin On Ice

    Movement Director for this collaboration between Single Carrot and Acme Corporation. Directed by Yury Urnov, written by Lola Pierson. This play examined authoritarian mythos and liberty.
    Photos by Britt Olsen-Ecker
    • Putin On Ice, Bees
      Putin On Ice, Bees
      A fable of Zsa Zsa Gabor and bees!
    • Putin On Ice, Hamlet
      Putin On Ice, Hamlet
      Ophelia confronts Hamlet, Putin was definitely involved.
    • Putin on Ice, Romeo & Juliet
      Putin on Ice, Romeo & Juliet
      Romeo courts Juliet, though Putin was there in the form of the nurse!
    • Putin On Ice, Omnipresent
      Putin On Ice, Omnipresent
      Putin is all around us
    •

    • Overtime: Men at Work

    Co-written/devised and co-directed with Jonathan Beller. Workshopped at SUNY Schenectady College and later presented at the MN Fringe.
    Three desperate desk workers struggle to meet the demands of the office space rat race. Can they climb the corporate ladder, or will they lose their footing and slip, rung by rung, to the depths of depravity? Navigating their way through the monotony of the workday, these everymen face stark questions about their goals, motivations, scruples, and camaraderie.

    Overtime: Men at Work explores issues relating to workplace gender roles and capitalist exploitation, and themes of thwarted ambition, individuality, disillusionment, and the American Dream-Turned-Nightmare. It’s a surreal romp with familiar iconography, quirky comedy, and a troubling undercurrent of struggles facing the typical working stiff.
    Photos by Jarod Hanson.
    • Overtime: Men at Work Teaser
      Co-written/devised and co-directed by myself and Jonathan Beller. Originally workshopped at SUNY Schenectady and later presented at MN Fringe.
    • Overtime Men at Work, Crunching Numbers
      Overtime Men at Work, Crunching Numbers
      The workers try to crunch the numbers, but the bottom line doesn't look good!
    • Overtime Men at Work, Objectification
      Overtime Men at Work, Objectification
      Office romances are best to be avoided, and objectification is strictly prohibited!
    • Overtime Men at Work, Stand-up Routine
      Overtime Men at Work, Stand-up Routine
      Have you heard the one about the glass ceiling? It's in poor taste.
    • Overtime Men at Work, Deadline
      Overtime Men at Work, Deadline
      Nothing gets me going like a goooood DEADLINE!
    • Overtime Men at Work, Sales Call
      Overtime Men at Work, Sales Call
      We'll go to any length to seal the deal!
    • Overtime Men at Work, Rise and Shine
      Overtime Men at Work, Rise and Shine
      The early bird gets the worm!
    • Overtime Men at Work, Keep Going
      Overtime Men at Work, Keep Going
      When you're going through hell, keep going!
    • Overtime Men at Work, Paperwork
      Overtime Men at Work, Paperwork
      Was it the TPS or the PO?!
    • Overtime Men at Work, Work
      Overtime Men at Work, Work
      A twist on Beckett's "Play," we present "Work."
    •

    • Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play

    Movement Consultant for this piece by Anne Washburne, directed by Yury Urnov and presented at the Wilma Theater.
    I specifically worked on movement for the third act, an epic ritualistic re-enactment of a famous Simpsons episode.
    "Disaster has struck and the world is in darkness. In the aftermath, a group of survivors gather in the dead of winter, trying to brave their new reality by recounting another remnant of the bygone world: The Simpsons. Join the HotHouse Company as they tackle Anne Washburn’s wickedly smart dark comedy that charts life after lights in the path to rebuilding civilization, with America’s favorite family as the cornerstone."
    Photos by Johanna Austin, www.AustinArt.org
    • Mr Burns, the ritual begins
      Mr Burns, the ritual begins
      The ritualists begin
    • Mr Burns, now we don masks
      Mr Burns, now we don masks
      The ritualists assume characters
    • Mr Burns, the Simpsons
      Mr Burns, the Simpsons
      A famous family...
    • Mr Burns, Sideshow Bob
      Mr Burns, Sideshow Bob
      Sideshow Bob subdues Bart
    • Mr Burns, Murder Most Foul
      Mr Burns, Murder Most Foul
      Sideshow Bob has slain the family!
    • Mr Burns, Sideshow Bob's Demise
      Mr Burns, Sideshow Bob's Demise
      Sideshow Bob is undone by Bart!
    •