Jackie Deniz Young

What is your favorite part of your job?

Working with folks in the scene shop and production department to solve issues we come across together.

Why is Two River Theater special to you?

Two River is small enough that as an employee you get to be a part of more but at the same time large enough to work on big, fun projects. And the people!

What was your favorite production to work on and why?

The first show I worked on that brought Two River Theater onto my radar was Running Rabbit Family Theatre’s Treasure Island, a touring children’s show that was both spoken, signed, and sung. It wasn’t a Two River produced production, but after meeting staff while working the performances I started working for Two River Theater in 2008.

If you could go back and work on a production before your time at Two River, what would it be?

In my days of working as a lighting technician, I worked on MacBeth at Two River Theater (2008) directed by Aaron Posner and Teller (from Penn and Teller). About 7 years later, at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where I was then working, we were in the early planning stages for a production of The Tempest (2015) that would be directed by Aaron Posner and Teller, songs by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan and choreography by Matt Kent (of Pilobolus). I left Chicago Shakespeare Theater and moved back to NJ before I had a chance to work on it. The show seemed like it would be challenging and a lot of fun to work on.

What’s your favorite Red Bank restaurant and menu item?

Two thoughts—the brussel sprouts from Triumph (soooo good) and the tomato soup with a side of pizza bread from Urban Coalhouse.

What’s your favorite thing to do/hobby outside of work?

I enjoy traveling as well as spending time outdoors either walking or hiking, grilling, or hanging with friends and family.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I’m Turkish and spent many summers with my Anneanne (maternal grandmother) and friends in Turkey while I was growing up. I’m still good friends with the folks I met when I was in middle school. It’s fun to see where everyone is and what everyone is doing now.