Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is pleased to announce the 2024/2025 season of its Theater series “Meet the Playwright”. The free series will span four months – November to February – starting with a November 21st season premiere at JCAL’s Studio Theater (161-04 Jamaica Avenue). 

Meet the Playwright features semi-staged readings of new works by BIIPOC playwrights, plus Q&As with creative teams, presented from November to February. The series is curated by Brenda Jones, editor-in-chief at Three-Legged Elephant Publishing, an independent book publisher. Jones also works with theater and television actors on the intricacies of script studies and character development. 

This season’s lineup begins with “A House Full of Flies” by WillieAnn Gissendanner. Set in 1990s Georgia, the play focuses on a “50-something year old African-American widow”, trying to balance the toxic relationship between herself and her two adult children. In December, JCAL will present “Pansy Craze” by Nick Luis. The period piece follows a love story during the 1920’s NYC ballroom scene. 

January 2025’s Meet the Playwright presentation is “A Step - By - Step Guide On How To Succeed In the Myth Making Business" by Amalia Oliva Rojas. The play chronicles a struggling playwright, who commits suicide and proceeds to a liminal space where history and values will demand that she choose how she wishes to be remembered. The February finale of the series will bring “Venus Rising” by Frank E. Robinson to the stage. The play is about a family whose only child unexpectedly returns home with a surprise after having been abducted by aliens. 

Now in its fifth season, Meet the Playwright has grown each year since its inception. Last season, plays like “Widows and Warriors” and “Oud Player on the Tel” entertained audiences and sparked important discussions. The JCAL team is hopeful that season five will keep that momentum going. 

 Meet the Playwright is made possible through principal support from New York City Council Member Nantasha Williams. Additional support is provided by the Mellon Foundation, the Howard Gilman Foundation, the NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs, the Office of Mayor Eric L. Adams, NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, NYC Council Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, and private supporters. 

 Season Lineup 

November 21st - "A House Full of Flies" by WillieAnn Gissendanner 

December 19th - “Pansy Craze” by Nick Luis 

January 30th - "A Step - By - Step Guide On How To Succeed In the Myth Making Business" by Amalia Oliva Rojas 

February 22nd - “Venus Rising” by Frank E. Robinson 

About curator Brenda Jones - Brenda’s background includes the U.S. International University’s School of Performing Arts, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts here in New York City. As with many student actors, she stepped away from the stage entirely after deciding that ‘eating’ was better than ‘applause.’ After a full career in media advertising and marketing sales for media companies from WPIX-TV to BET.com, Brenda has returned to the boards - to direct. 

She has directed new and small productions at the [Queens] Secret Theater, and within the New York Theater Festival’s Winterfest Competition. Currently, Ms. Jones is an acting coach for actors in various TV and film productions – and is the curator for JCAL’s aforementioned ‘Meet The Playwright’ series, entering its 5th season in October 2024.