Jaron Hollander
Chaplin,CT
Summary
Dynamic and passionate Theater Educator and Director with extensive experience, boasting over 20,000 hours of teaching in physical theater, circus arts, and puppetry. Deeply committed to the transformative power of live theater, believing it to be a crucial medium for forging connections, challenging societal norms, and celebrating the magic of communal experiences. Skilled in creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments, that inspires students to push the boundaries of their creativity and achieve excellence in their artistic endeavors. With a BA in Theatre, comprehensive training in physical theater and circus arts, and a Master of Fine Arts in Puppet Arts anticipated in May, I offer a rich blend of academic knowledge to years of professional practical expertise. My approach to teaching and directing is infused with humor, a focus on virtuosic skill, and a dedication to the immediacy that live performance uniquely offers. I am committed to redefining theater with an emphasis on diversity, contemporary values, and interdisciplinary, collaborative art-making.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Guest Instructor Commedia DellArte
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
02.2022 - 04.2023
- Gest instructor for MFA Students in Commedia Dell'Arte
- Gest instructor for BFA Students in Commedia Dell'Arte
- Gest instructor for BFA students in Physical Comedy
Artistic Director
Kinetic Arts Center
Oakland CA
08.2008 - 08.2021
- Co-Founder and Artistic Director at Kinetic Arts Center LLC, premier circus school and production company with annual operating budget nearing one million dollars, from 2008 to 2021.
- Instrumental in securing capital and building company from ground up, demonstrating exceptional entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
- Served as primary architect of company's artistic vision, guiding its development into recognized leader in circus arts education and performance.
- Managed and led team of approximately 30 instructors, while personally teaching 10-20 hours per week, focusing on professional and pre-professional level classes.
- Innovatively planned and executed seasonal circus productions, elevating company's profile and artistic output.
- Designed and maintained all aerial circus rigging, prioritizing safety and performance integrity.
- Spearheaded development and oversight of all curriculum, ensuring a rich, progressive learning environment for students.
Artistic Director
Splash Circus
Emeryville CA
09.2007 - 08.2008
- Crafting the program's creative vision and artistic direction.
- Designing and overseeing circus arts training curricula for youth.
- Directing performances that highlight the talents of young performers.
- Leading and supporting a team of circus arts instructors.
- Managing all production elements for shows, from concept to execution.
- Fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for artistic growth and expression.
Clown Coach
San Francisco Clown Conservatory
San Francisco
01.2007 - 05.2007
- Providing personalized coaching to enhance individual performance skills.
- Leading workshops and sessions on character development and stage presence.
- Offering feedback and constructive criticism to support artistic development.
- Creating a positive, encouraging environment for experimentation and growth.
Commedia Dell Arte & Stage Combat Instructor
California Shakespeare Theatre
06.2007 - 08.2007
- Teaching the fundamentals of Commedia Dell'Arte, including character archetypes, physicality, and improvisation.
- Instructing students in the techniques and principles of stage combat, ensuring safety and authenticity.
- Choreographing fight scenes and physical interactions for student performances.
- Assist in direction of student performances
Artistic Coordinator
Cirque Du Soleil
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Cast Supervisor with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Guardian of the artistic directors vision and show content
Puppetry Instructor
Berkeley Repertory Theater's school of theatre
Berkeley
- Lead focused workshops and classes on puppetry performance techniques, catering to students at different skill levels.
- Provide personalized feedback to enhance each student's performance abilities, focusing on emotional expression and audience engagement.
- Foster a collaborative learning environment, encouraging group exercises and performances that highlight the art of puppetry.
Clown, Acrobatics and Aerial Coach
Circus Smirkus
Greensboro
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Design and implement comprehensive training programs across physical theater, clowning, acrobatics, and aerial arts, focusing on skill development, safety, and artistic expression.
- Provide personalized feedback and coaching, adapting teaching methods to meet individual student needs and goals.
- Ensure a supportive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging exploration, risk-taking, and collaborative work.
- Manage safety protocols for all activities, conducting equipment checks and enforcing safety measures to maintain a secure training environment.
- Organize and direct student performances and showcases, enabling practical application of skills and public presentation.
Physical Theatre Instructor
California Shakespeare Festival
01.1998
- Develop and deliver curriculum focused on physical theater techniques, including movement, mime, and improvisation.
- Foster a creative and supportive learning environment that encourages students' artistic expression and physical skills development.
- Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback to enhance their performance and understanding of physical theater.
- Collaborate with other faculty members to integrate physical theater components into broader theater education programs.
- Organize and direct student performances and workshops to showcase physical theater skills and techniques.
Performance Coordinator, Clown, Acrobatics and Aerial Coach
Camp Winnarainbow
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Oversaw 50 teachers and staff, coordinating the theatrical education of 160 children, including classes and numerous performances.
- Conducted numerous clown workshops, alongside writing and directing various clown performances.
- Instructed both introductory and advanced classes in acrobatics, trapeze, and aerial rope.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Puppet Arts
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT05.2024
Circus Aerial And Acrobatic Arts
Circo Arts
Christ Church New ZealandSan Francisco School Of Circus Arts
San Francisco, CACertificate - PhysicalTheatre
Dell' Arte School Of Physical Theatre
Blue Lake, CA06.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre, Acting And Directing
University of California At Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA06.1996
Skills
- Curriculum Development: Expert in creating and managing educational programs across physical theater, stage combat, circus arts, and puppetry, adapting curricula for all skill levels to promote artistic growth
- Physical Theater Expertise: Profound knowledge of physical theater techniques, including clowning, mime, and Commedia Dell'Arte
- Stage Combat: Adept in choreographing safe stage combat, both armed and unarmed
- Circus Arts: Versatile in circus skills, including aerials, tumbling, and acrobatics
- Puppetry Skills: Creative in puppet design, construction, and manipulation
- Artistic Leadership: Experienced in driving artistic vision, directing shows, and managing creative teams for impactful performances
- Collaborative Creativity: Skilled in developing original, boundary-pushing collaborative theater projects
- Technical Theater: Proficient in integrating lighting, sound, and design to enhance theatrical presentations
- Cultural Sensitivity: Committed to inclusivity and avoiding cultural appropriation, promoting equity in arts
- Industry Engagement: Actively involved in professional growth with strong connections in theater and circus communities
Affiliations
- American Circus Educators Association
- Association of Theatre Movements Educators
Awards
Innovation in Circus Education from the American Circus Educators Association
Directing and Devising
Conceptor Director - War of the Worlds 2023 -By Jaron Hollander-2023 Connecticut Repertory Theatre
Movement Director, - The Comedy of Errors - by William Shakespeare, Directed by Sandi Carroll-2023 University of Connecticut
Movement Director - The Metamorphoses -By Mary Zimmerman, Directed by Kristin Wold-2022 University of Connecticut
Assistant Director - Little shop of Horrors -By Charles B. Griffith, Directed By Vince Tyser- 2022 University of Connecticut
Co-Director - Replay - By Genna-Beth Davidson - 2022 University of Connecticut
Conceptor Director Circus Panopticon- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2019
Conceptor Director Beyond the Ring- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2018
Conceptor Director Circus Asturias- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2018
Conceptor Director Circus Veritas- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2017
Conceptor Director Circus Odious- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2017
Conceptor Director Inversion: Circus Disobedience- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2016
Conceptor Director Circular logic- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2016
Conceptor Director Salvage- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2015
Conceptor Director Shattered- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2015
Conceptor Director Inversion: a Disobedient Circus- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2014
Conceptor Director Circomorph- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2013
Conceptor Director Circus Differential- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2012
Conceptor Director Tracks and Ties- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2011
Conceptor Director Emax and Zurno’s Amazing Circus Humans- Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland CA - 2010
Co-creator with Slater Penney: The Submarine Show over 200 performances Across the USA, Canada and Europe 2009-2021
Contributing Director with Terry Crain: Love and Gravity The Acrobatic Conundrum tour 2015-2016
Director with Master Lu Yi: ThisisAcrosanct Acrosanct, San Francisco CA 2014
Director: Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare University of San Francisco Collage Players 2002
Conceptor Director: Zoomorphia Make*A*Circus San Francisco, CA - 2001
Conceptor & Co Director with Josh Costello : Commedia 2000: Soccer Mom Vs. Monster Bud Impact Theatre Berkeley, CA 2000
Conceptor & Co Director with Josh Costello: People’s Parking: Modern Berkeley Commedia Impact Theatre Berkeley, CA 1998
Performance
add later
Timeline
Guest Instructor Commedia DellArte
University of Connecticut
02.2022 - 04.2023
Artistic Director
Kinetic Arts Center
08.2008 - 08.2021
Artistic Director
Splash Circus
09.2007 - 08.2008
Commedia Dell Arte & Stage Combat Instructor
California Shakespeare Theatre
06.2007 - 08.2007
Clown Coach
San Francisco Clown Conservatory
01.2007 - 05.2007
Artistic Coordinator
Cirque Du Soleil
01.2004 - 01.2005
Clown, Acrobatics and Aerial Coach
Circus Smirkus
01.2004 - 01.2006
Performance Coordinator, Clown, Acrobatics and Aerial Coach
Camp Winnarainbow
01.2002 - 01.2003
Physical Theatre Instructor
California Shakespeare Festival
01.1998
Puppetry Instructor
Berkeley Repertory Theater's school of theatre
Master of Fine Arts - Puppet Arts
University of Connecticut
Circus Aerial And Acrobatic Arts
Circo Arts
San Francisco School Of Circus Arts
Certificate - PhysicalTheatre
Dell' Arte School Of Physical Theatre
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre, Acting And Directing
University of California At Santa Cruz