Jean is the former Artistic Director of Footsteps Theatre in Chicago (1991-1999) and New World Repertory Theatre in Downers Grove (2003-2009). She graduated with honors from DePaul University’s Theatre School (formerly the Goodman School of Drama) with an MFA in Directing, and is a certified Montessori Teacher.
Jean has directed over thirty productions in her career, ranging from new plays, to Shakespeare to children’s theatre to contemporary works. She has appeared on various Chicago stages as an actress over the years, most recently appearing as Prospero in The Tempest for Hong Kong Live Play Readings. She is also a published playwright (NextStagePress.net), with three of her plays reaching full production, one receiving an After Dark Award from Gay Chicago Magazine.