Jen MacDonald has over 18 years of experience in producing thought provoking plays, working with the finest producers, emerging writers and creative teams. She is also an ambassador of several British and international charities, and part of their fundraising teams and event committees.
This October Jen will be one of the judges for the Earl’s Court Film Festival.
From 2002 she was one of a small team that ran Theatre 503 (previously The Latchmere Theatre) in Battersea, London, a hot-house for new writing and discovering the foremost artists of tomorrow and premiered over 50 plays from exciting writers, including Dennis Kelly, Phil Porter, Duncan Macmillan, Rebecca Prichard, Chris Lee, Trevor Williams and Jennifer Farmer. Theatre 503 established itself as a crucial part of the ecology of new writing in the capital and earned itself the wonderful quote: ‘Arguably the most important theatre in Britain today’ The Guardian
She produced the short film Last Laugh, written and directed by Sue Dunderdale (formerly the Head of Directing at RADA) and starring Frances Barber and Doreen Mantle.
Jen also spent several years on the Board of the New Producers Alliance, organising numerous short film festivals and events for members. At the time the NPA was the UK’s national membership and training organisation for independent new producers and filmmakers.
Before moving into the world of theatre and film production, Jen worked for Prue Leith and the Leith’s Group.
Past theatre productions and charitable campaigns include:
ONE BILLION RISING (OBR)
With Eve Ensler, Thandie Newton, Monique Wilson and Stella Creasy MP. OBR is an international coalition of campaigners speaking out for action to end violence against girls and women across the world.
A MEMORY, A MONOLOGUE, A RANT AND A PRAYER
Produced in association with Restless Buddha Productions at Lyric Theatre, London West End.
Cast included Eve Ensler, Thandie Newton, Trudie Styler, Rosario Dawson, Tom Burke, Meerya Syal and Myanna Buring. £170,000 was raised for various charities. Jenny is now part of the team at Restless Buddha.
SPIKE MILLIGAN’S – ALDOF HITLER: MY PART IN HIS DOWNFALL
Assisted Greg Ripley-Duggan (Producer, Hampstead Theatre) on the FIVE star touring production adapted for the stage by Ben Power and Tim Carroll. Winner of the WHATS ON STAGE 2010 AWARD for Best Regional Touring Production. SPIKE MILLIGAN’S… opened in Bristol, toured for 18 months and also played at the Hampstead Theatre, London for four weeks.
BASH: LATTERDAY PLAYS
Produced in association with Theatre of Memory the critically acclaimed Trafalgar Studios, London. BASH, by Neil LaBute was directed by Tamara Harvey and starred David Sturzaker, Harry Lloyd, Jodie Whittaker and Juliet Rylance. Time Out Critics’ Choice AND ‘Best Show in London’.
Produced the short film LAST LAUGH, written and directed by Sue Dunderdale (formerly the Head of Directing at RADA) and starring Frances Barber and Doreen Mantle. LAST LAUGH part lottery funded by Screen South, enjoyed success on the International Festival Circuit, including Cannes International Film Festival and Los Angeles International Film Festival.