Use Art to Spread God's Word

My name is Ayvaunn Penn, and I am a Columbia University MFA Playwriting student and director seeking start-up funds for my theatre company -- Bible & Penn Productions. To see a samples of my work, watch the videos above.

What is Bible & Penn Productions?
B&P is dedicated to the creation of Biblical adaptations and faith-based works using my signature combination of poetry and dance while also offering classes to the public that enable them to interact with scripture through theatre.

Bible & Penn Productions Mission
· Using theatre to help people experience the Word of God in new and exciting ways
· Taking art beyond the theatre to public spaces
· Building a lasting legacy of positive entertainment that promotes spiritual growth, brings joy, provokes thought, instigates positive change, and brings hearts to Jesus Christ

The Inspiration
 “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  ~ Matthew 5:13-16 (KJV) 

My heart is heavy from seeing an increasing amount of entertainment that not only glorifies destructive behavior but suggests – if not outright states – that God doesn’t exist or that the people who believe in Him are crazy. Whereas creators of that content have the right to make their voices heard, I – as a Christian playwright and director – also have the right AND power to make God’s voice heard through art.

Ultimate Goals for Bible & Penn Productions
· To own a facility of our own from which we can operate: rehearsal studios; performance space with stage, full light grid & equipment, and top of the line sound system; costume studio; set design shop; conference rooms
· To acquire and financially support resident company members (actors, design team, etc.): My dream is for B&P to be able to provide a living for resident company members where they can dedicate their full attention to ministry through performing arts without having to worry about livelihood.

What makes Bible & Penn Productions different from other performance groups?
As a playwright and director I am known for using my signature combination of contemporary free verse poetry, dance, bodily percussion, and vocal sound effects to tell stories in a uniquely captivating way. Equally exciting for audiences is the unexpected way in which I transform the human body and found objects into scenic elements and props.

You can trust donating to this cause, because I:
· Have legally registered Bible & Penn Productions with New York County Courthouse
· Work hard with a spirit of excellence
· Dedicate my life to using my God-given talents to     enrich our communities through positive art
· Commit to provide opportunities for theatre artists
· Will nurture the next generation of theatre artists

My Qualifications
-- DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
· MFA in Playwriting, Columbia University (May 2018)
· MA in Theatre – Acting and Playwriting Concentration, Louisiana Tech University
· BA in English, Austin College
· Method Acting Certificate, Jubilee Theatre of Ft. Worth, TX

-- PROFESSIONAL ASSISSTANT DIRECTING UNDER
· Two-time Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson
· Golden Globe winner Regina Taylor

-- EDUCATIONAL TRAINING UNDER
· Lynn Nottage, 2X Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright
· David H. Hwang, Tony Award-Winning Playwright
· Charles L. Mee, Obie Award-Winning Playwright
· Anne Bogart, Obie Award-Winning Director & Guggenheim Fellowship Recipient

-- DIRECTING EXPERIENCE
· Zarephath: A Gospel & Jazz Musical at Columbia University
· King David: The Original Musicless Musical at Columbia University
· The Feather Doesn't Fall Far from the Wing: A Play with Music at Columbia University (Public Reading)

-- CHOREOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
· Aladdin & the Wonderful Lamp at Louisiana Tech University
· The Last Night of Ballyhoo at Louisiana Tech University
· Student International Fashion Show at Austin College

-- AWARDS & HONORS
· Columbia University School of the Arts Dean’s Fellowship Recipient for Playwriting Class of 2018
· Stage Directors & Choreographers Foundation Member
· Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society Member
· Lula Mae Sciro Award for Theatre Excellence
· Arthur W. Stone Award for Playwriting

-- EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH BROADWAY & TV STARS
· Leslie Uggams (Tony Award for Hallelujah, Baby!)
· LaChanze (Tony Award for The Color Purple)
· Jeff Perry (Scandal, The Caretaker on Broadway)
· Gaius Charles (Taken, Grey’s Anatomy)
· Nick Christopher (Hamilton on Broadway)
· Donald Webber Jr. (Hamilton on Broadway)
· Kristolyn Lloyd (Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway)
· Keith Randolph Smith (Jitney on Broadway)
· Roslyn Ruff (Romeo and Juliet, Fences on Broadway)
· Brandon Dirden (All the Way & Jitney on Broadway)
· Ray Anthony Thomas (Jitney & Race on Broadway)
· Ebony Jo-Ann (Gem of the Ocean on Broadway)
· Lawrence Clayton (The Color Purple on Broadway)
· Crystal Dickinson (Clybourne Park on Broadway)

Plays & Musicals Written by Me
· ZAREPHATH: A Gospel & Jazz Infused Musical – an adaptation of I Kings Chapter 17: 1-16
· KING DAVID: The Original Musicless Musical – an adaptation of II Samuel Chapter 11 – 13
· THE TAKEN – an adaptation of II Samuel Chapter 13
· “SLAIN GALL” – exploration of spiritual healing from domestic abuse

My Next Play
THE FEATHER DOESN’T FALL FAR FROM THE WING: A PLAY WITH MUSIC – a Biblically inspired ficational tale that reimagines the fall of Lucifer while also bringing into fantasy a sister who take his place as heaven's minister of music and a jealous brother who can't keep her secrets. This piece is currently slated to be featured at the Tony Award-Winning Signature Theatre in May 2018 as part of the Columbia University MFA thesis productions. NOTE: Donations will not be used to support the Columbia production of this show. Receive automatic updates and additional details by following my website www.ThePennSpeaks.com.

How to stay updated on progress with Bible & Penn Productions
Follow both @BibleAndPenn on Facebook and my website: www.ThePennSpeaks.com.


   Your financial contributions are much appreciated!