Biography
Christina Jensen—Soprano, Stage Director, Dramaturge, and Playwright—thrives on the multifaceted challenges of telling stories. In her productions, she explores the struggle between the emotional aspect of theatre and the cold logic of drama. Balancing these two opposing forces, she crafts beautiful and believable theatrical experiences.
She strives to communicate to every member of her audience and cast, whether they be new to the musical art form or established patrons. To do this, she creates conceptual productions that capture the imaginations of new audience members, simultaneously embedding historical details and traditional references that intellectually stimulate those who are familiar with the show. In this manner, she brings a new voice to the production history while staying true to her dramaturgical roots.
Christina earned her M.F.A. in Dramaturgy from the American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theatre Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard University. While there, she learned from world-renowned directors and worked with professional and student actors and playwrights. She participated in several world premieres of new works as well as new productions of classic literature. During her study abroad in Moscow, she not only familiarized herself with the Russian language and culture, but also gained an appreciation for the creative soul of the Muscovites.
Christina has directed and performed around the globe, from Boston to England, and from her hometown Redlands, California, to Graz, Austria. She has been a guest director for the University of California, Riverside; the Resident Stage Director of Redlands Opera Theatre; seven-time Stage Director for Independent Opera Company; and Stage Director/Playwright for FCC Players. Her directorial credits include: Snow Maiden, Die Fledermaus, Roméo et Juliet, Carmen, Gianni Schicchi, Faust, Eugene Onegin, Don Giovanni, HMS Pinafore, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Così Fan Tutte, Aleko, Pygmalion, The Tempest, and The Secret Garden. She will be the guest director for Westmont College's 2021 opera production, The Elixir of Love.
She also has written the book for several original musical revues: Apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan, and Murder in Four Courses. Apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan is a four-part play, tracking the zany footsteps of a small Gilbert and Sullivan troupe over the English countryside. Three parts have already been produced and were received enthusiastically. Murder in Four Courses is a murder mystery dinner theatrical. Using songs from musical theatre, opera, and popular culture, a group of waiters attempts to make it through the grand opening of the “Four Courses” restaurant without being killed. She is currently working on a serial story about the inner workings of an opera house and all of the characters it takes to put on a show.
