Ripple Effect Artists: Transforming Theatre into Social Change
Ripple Effect Artists is a groundbreaking theatrical production company founded by Jessie Fahay, driven by her passion for theatre and her deep commitment to creating change through meaningful dialogue. Born from her experience as an actress in New York City, and inspired by years of work in Educational Theatre, public speaking, and advocacy, Jessie envisioned a platform where theatre and social impact converge. Ripple Effect Artists was created to empower audiences, inspire action, and use the power of performance to spark crucial conversations that lead to positive change.
At Ripple Effect Artists, we are passionate about using the stage to ignite a ripple of transformation within our communities and the world. Our mission is to produce thought-provoking theatre that challenges perspectives, empowers voices, and gives back through philanthropy. With the support of a dedicated team of Board Members, Actors, Directors, and Theatre Lovers, we are proud to push the boundaries of traditional theatre, making a lasting impact on every audience we reach.
Our Core Beliefs
1. Theatre as a Catalyst for Change
We believe in the transformative power of theatre to inspire audiences to take action and make a difference in the world. Our productions go beyond entertainment – they provoke thought, spark conversation, and encourage positive change.
2. Empowering Students Through Theatre
We are committed to empowering young student-actors by providing them with the tools and opportunities to use theatre as a platform for personal and societal growth. Through mentorship, performances, and educational outreach, we inspire the next generation to create their own Ripple Effect.
3. Theatrical Philanthropy
Ripple Effect Artists is proud to dedicate a significant portion of our box office proceeds to support human rights organizations and initiatives. Our belief in theatre with purpose drives us to use our art to give back to the global community and champion causes that promote justice, equality, and human dignity.
4. Dialogue and Conversation
Our productions are not just performances – they are the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. We host Talk-Back Presentations with partnering organizations, educators, and community leaders to deepen the conversation sparked by our plays, creating a space for shared learning and actionable solutions.
5. Global Impact Through Art
We believe that art knows no borders. Ripple Effect Artists strives for international outreach, using the universal language of theatre to inspire and connect people across cultures and continents.
6. Honoring Playwrights and Artistry
We celebrate the brilliant voices of master playwrights whose works carry powerful messages, and we honor the dedication and craft of our actors. Every production is an opportunity to elevate artistry and create meaningful experiences for both performers and audiences alike.
7. Access to Theatre for All
We are committed to making theatre accessible, especially for students. That’s why we offer complimentary tickets to students, giving them the chance to experience the transformative power of live theatre – regardless of their financial background.
Why Ripple Effect Artists?
Ripple Effect Artists is more than just a theatre company – we are a movement. Our work doesn’t stop at the curtain call. Through each production, we aim to inspire lasting change, challenge the status quo, and encourage a global conversation on the issues that matter most. Join us in creating a ripple that will be felt for generations to come.
Explore our upcoming productions, learn about our philanthropic initiatives, or get involved today!
Together, we can make a difference – one act, one conversation, one performance at a time.
“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.”
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.
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
DARCY COZZETTO
Associate Board
DANIEL G. HARMANN, SONGWRITER & COMPOSER
MAXINE BLAKE, ESQ
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
Friends
SUE ABLE – Artist, self-employed
MICHAEL FAHAY – Audobon Society
STEVE LATIMER – Amnesty International
GRACE MACEK – Early Childhood Education
ALVIN PUENTEVELLA
Resource Circle
MELISSA NEUMAN
FRED ROHAN-VARGAS
BONNIE REID
DIANE OBENCHAIN
Ensemble
