The inspiration for Ripple Effect Artists came from Jessie Fahay’s love of theatre and her own experience as an actress in New York City. Committed to working with productions and touring companies that promoted a sense of change through dialogue, Jessie sought to change her community and the world by developing an organization that melded her two loves, theatre and crucial conversations. After years of working in Educational Theatre, as a public speaker, actress, author, graduate student, and her work with Landmark Education and United Global Shift, she has developed an even stronger commitment to making a difference through her love of theatre and appreciation for theatre-education as a vehicle. Thus Ripple Effect Artists was conceived. With a committed team of Board Members, Actors, Directors, and Theatre Lovers, Jessie has seen her wish of pushing audiences from apathy to action come together and hopes to continue inspiring change in generations to come.
We Believe In:
- Theatre and the ability it has to inspire an audience to make a difference
- Student empowerment
- Theatrical, game-changing philanthropy: Each of our productions donates a significant portion of Box Office Proceeds towards Human Rights Organizations/Initiatives
- Dialogue inspired by theatre with our Talk-Back Presentations with Partnering Organizations and Educators
- International outreach and the impact of art on the world
- Inspiring young student-actors to create their own Ripple Effect
- Complimentary tickets for students, so that they can enjoy the power of theatre
- Honoring masterful playwrights with powerful messages of their own
- Honoring artistry by honoring our actors
VIEW THE FOUNDER’S BOOK, “WHAT METHOD? THE DIFFERENT WAYS AN ACTOR CAN TRAIN“!
“The whole performance is put on with a flare without being heavy-handed. The performances were excellent. It all serves to remind me that they do not have the funding they should have.”
“Its bare-bones production was as potent as the one Arthur Miller’s A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE is getting… It has been years since this has been mounted on Broadway. Producers re-write that wrong.”
“Ripple Effect is definitely a company to keep watching.”
The Team
Jessica Jennings
JESSICA JENNINGS is the founding Board President for REA. Jessica received a B.F.A. from The University of the Arts. She has managed multi-million dollar retail at Rockefeller Center and at Grand Central for L’Occitane; and she interned in Development at Spanish Repertory Theatre. Her development has won grants for three theatre groups in NYC, and she has been intrinsic to developing REA’s “talk-back” events, bringing master speakers such as James P. Clark (World Technology Summit), and Charlotte Walker-Said (Assistant Professor of Human Rights and International Law, John Jay College). She is an accomplished, award winning actor and director for Shakespearean productions in NYC, receiving multiple Jean Dalrymple Awards as well as a Princess Grace Nomination. She has danced internationally, and was an off-camera dance coach for Bryce Dallas Howard, Sigourney Weaver, Cherry Jones, and William Hurt in M. Night Shyamalan’s film “The Village,” 2003.
Jessie Fahay
Founding Executive Director. Jessie’s love for theatre, philanthropy, and ethical business practices makes her thrilled to be the proud founder and Executive Director of Ripple Effect Artists. She grew up with a love for viewing visceral theatre productions that move audiences along with the philosophy that “We are here to create and contribute. Not Compete.” -Robert Anthony. Her accomplishments range from being a published author and playwright, obtaining an MBA in Administration and MFA in Performance from the Bristol Old Vic. Her performing experience, her passions for making a difference coming from education at United Global Shift, her business education, and her experience traveling around the country as a public speaker inspired her to begin this company in 2009. She oversees all operations, works to expand the company financially and artistically, acts as lead-producer on all productions, and leads all marketing-campaigns. In addition to her work with Ripple Effect Artists Inc., she still works as an actor and gives talks about the subject matter of her book, “What Method? The Different Ways an Actor Can Train.” She is committed to creating an ongoing “Ripple Effect,” using her love of pivotal theatre as a vehicle.
Natalie Craig
Graphic Design. She is pleased to be working with Ripple Effect Artists as they present the art of theater with social consciousness. Ripple Effect Artists’ insight into the creative interpretation of playwrights, sensitivity to the impact the viewers, and interfacing with philanthropic groups, speaks to the value of the arts in our communities. After working in art/production directing with McGraw Hill and Dow Jones Financial Publishing, Natalie continues work in consulting and graphic design with a focus on assisting small businesses with the visual aspects of their professional stance. Natalie is also an artist, giving her another dimension of respect for the creative endeavors of the artists and the goals of Ripple Effect Artists. And, is grateful for the opportunity to see and be a part of the ever evolving scope of Ripple Effect!
Current Board Members
JESSICA JENNINGS – President. Spanish Repertorio. American Theater of Actors
CINDY FAHAY – Secretary. McGraw Hill. Black’s Guide
JESSIE FAHAY – Board Chair. WeVenture
KARL PERMAN – President, CIP CORPS
VALENTINE WILLIAMSON – Dramarice Management
DARCY COZZETTO
MAXINE BLAKE, ESQ
Forthcoming Board Members
ZACHARY GORDON
Associate Board
NICOLE WESLEY, MEMBER EXPERIENCE ADVISOR
SHANIQUE CLARKE, WARNER BROS DISCOVERY
ANNA LOU HEARN, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Senior Advisors
FRED ROHAN-VARGAS – Officer. Mixing It Up Productions
JANA ROBBINS – Better World Productions Inc.
ABBE SILVERBERG SPARKS – Officer. Founder, Abbe Sparks Media Group
Intern
AUBREY MANN
Friends
SUE ABLE – Artist, self-employed
MICHAEL FAHAY – Audobon Society
STEVE LATIMER – Amnesty International
GRACE MACEK – Early Childhood Education
ALVIN PUENTEVELLA
PATRICK GREEN
MADISON REYES
ROLAND URUCI
Ambassadors/Interns
AUBREY MANN
Resource Circle
MELISSA NEUMAN
FRED ROHAN-VARGAS
BONNIE REID
DIANE OBENCHAIN
Ensemble
