from Project Write Now
Firefly is back and it’s bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever in its new home here at Two River Theater! Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or simply soaking it all in, Firefly invites you to experience the power of live, true, first-person storytelling. These are real stories of joy, heartbreak, humor, struggle, and triumph—told by everyday people, on stage, in front of a live audience. No judges. Just community and connection.
You will be redirected to the Project Write Now website for booking.
To be announced!
Come early if you want to throw your name in!
Bring your story and your whole self!
FEATURED STORYTELLERS
Jennifer Devi Chauhan is co-founder and executive director of Project Write Now. With more than 30 years of experience in professional writing and education, she has built a career spanning journalism, public high school teaching, and nonprofit leadership. Jennifer believes in the power of storytelling to generate empathy and deepen our understanding of one another. She is committed to creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can explore their authentic selves through writing and sharing their stories. She recently earned a 200-hour certification in inclusive, trauma-informed mindfulness, social emotional learning, and yoga. She enjoys reading a poem upon waking every day, walking among trees, and taking part in live performances—whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience.
Dennis Chambers is the Associate Artistic Director at Two River Theater, where he first started seeing plays when he was a student at Red Bank Regional High School. Following his graduation from Ithaca College, he joined Two River as the Artistic Assistant where he served as the Resident Assistant Director, assisting directors Jessica Stone (Absurd Person Singular, A Funny Thing…), Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Your Blues Ain’t Sweet Like Mine), Stephen Bracket (Be More Chill), Michael Cumpsty (Third), Brandon Dirden (Seven Guitars), Mark Wing-Davey (School for Wives), Lisa Rothe (Ropes), Daniella Topol (Guadalupe in the Guest Room), Jonathan Fox (Lives of Reason), Jack Cummings III (I Remember Mama), and David Lee (Camelot). Following his initial stint at Two River, Dennis joined the producing office GFI Productions (Paul Blake and Mike Bosner) as Associate Producer, working on the Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Broadway, US Tour, UK Tour, Australia), Sunset Boulevard (2018 Broadway Revival with Glenn Close) and Roman Holiday (San Francisco). Dennis has been back at Two River since 2021.
Jessica Varian Carroll is a sticky-note loving, list-making, calendar-keeping organization lover who believes deeply in helping others and living a minimalistic life. Jess is the Founder & CEO of Organista, a home organizing company, specializing in the area of decluttering and rehoming usable items to those in need. She is also the author of her memoir, She Had No Business. Her love for community and gathering people together led her to joining Inspired Girl Enterprises as the EVP of Community & Events. When she isn’t assisting her clients, she is spending time with her four children, volunteering, and helping others.
Jenn Tuma-Young is a treasure-hunting, stargazing, journal-keeper since kindergarten, who believes deeply in the power of connection & courage. She is also the Founder & CEO of Inspired Girl. As an IP company, Inspired Girl develops, creates, and produces content for books, TV, films, and experiences. The Inspired Girl Mission is to bring forth content that connects us to our personal power and to one another; content that spreads light, screams JOY, and is love in awesome motion. Most importantly, Jenn is a proud wife of the yin to her yang and momma of her two most precious gifts from God.
If you’d like to throw your name in the hat for a chance to share your story on the Firefly stage on January 20, come prepared with a true, five-minute story on the theme FIRSTS.
Need help finding your angle? Try one of these prompts—or bring your own interpretation:
Note: Stories must align with PWN’s mission to foster an inclusive, supportive environment.
Project Write Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming lives through the power of writing. Since 2014, we’ve created a vibrant, inclusive community through writing programs and literary events. At the heart of our mission are our community outreach programs, which empower people of all ages to develop essential writing and communication skills. Partnering with local schools and mission-driven nonprofits, we help participants build confidence, cultivate personal growth, and achieve academic and professional success.
