Beth Litwak Goes Full Circle
Meet Beth Litwak, the new full-time professor whose dedication to fostering creativity and excellence in the arts makes her a dynamic force within Jessup Theatre. With a wealth of experience gained from the bustling stages of New York, where artistry and innovation collide, Litwak brings a professional combination of collaboration, craftsmanship and artistic expertise to every class and production. Whether it’s coordinating logistics for a production, directing a show, or mentoring the next generation of theatre artists her passion for the craft is matched only by her dedication to fostering a vibrant and top-notch theatrical community.
Teaching college students elicits a full-circle moment for Litwak who began her career teaching high school English, theatre, and yearbook at a small Christian school in Lincoln, Nebraska just after earning her undergraduate degree. Two years later, tapped out, often working more than 12-hour days to support the effort needed to not only teach three demanding subjects, but also to helm a growing theatre department, she reluctantly released theatre to a fellow educator which, in turn, made her realize how important it was to her.
“When I set theatre aside, God solidified how much He created me for it,” she said. “I simply couldn’t ignore it.” That defining moment sent her back to school to earn her Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting and Directing from Regent University.
Her professional career is impressive, working in theaters across the nation for over 20 years and in New York City for the past 10. Litwak has worked in many facets of the theatre profession with notable companies like Cherry Lane (NYC), Williamstown Theatre Festival, Virginia Shakespeare Festival, Virginia Opera, Round House, People’s Light, The Classic (CA), and Americana Theatre Co.
She also serves as Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Theatre for Humanity (NYC) and is on the board of The Classic (CA). She is a new work scout for Broadway producers, In Fine Co., and was a content producer for “A Play A Day In May.” She’s also an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
Her robust background makes her exceptionally qualified to teach Jessup students. “Jessup’s Theatre program is unique because of our 360 degree education that trains students in every aspect of theatre,” she said. “I’ve often said that I’m the ‘Swiss Army knife’ of theatre, working backstage, onstage, front of house, as a program director, educator, designer, Covid safety manager, even as a special effects make-up artist.
Litwak is also passionate about mentoring, a process that had a direct impact on her life. “Coming from a family that values learning through experience, I’m definitely a kinesthetic learner,” she said. “My dad loved history, so growing up, we physically experienced places where history was made. My mom was a special education teacher and, as an assistant in her classroom, I was able to witness how she connected with students. My parents introduced me to the idea that training stays with you. When it comes to mentoring, I know the value of walking alongside someone who is an expert in their field.”
Litwak has developed and directed many mentorship-based educational and community programs including Regent University’s Creative Arts Mentorship Program, Virginia Shakespeare Festival’s Summer Camp Program and Round House Theatre’s first Devised Theatre Artist’s Lab. A fierce advocate for mentorship in arts education, Litwak herself was mentored by renowned theatre luminaries Angelina Fiordellisi, founder and producing artistic director of Cherry Lane Theatre and Zak Berkman, producing artistic director of People’s Light Theatre.
Now, she is paying it forward with Jessup students. Having mentored student directors for lab shows and stage managers for lab and main stage productions, Litwak put it this way, “At Jessup, we strive for students to get a taste of the theatre profession in its totality. Students have educational course work and then participate in a professional theatre simulator through our lab and main stage productions that allows them to implement what they’re learning in a hands-on environment.”
Jessup Theatre students are well-prepared to be salt and light wherever they go. “So often, students wrestle with the Church that may not understand why they want to be professional artists and then they wrestle with society that says Christians can’t be great professional artists,” Litwak said. “We teach students where their true identity comes from. We give students the ability to dive deep into their identity, as they go forth in the image of the Creator God. They are, as C.S. Lewis would say, “sub-creators” created for a purpose in God’s image. When they go into their profession, they are prepared as whole person, not just as an actor.”
Sure to be heartwarming and nostalgic, Jessup Theatre is gearing up to present “Footloose” this April with Litwak serving as production manager. “I’m excited about the collaborative aspect of this role because I get to connect and collaborate with an amazing creative and production team, making sure they have the information and resources they need to do their job excellently,” she said.
With rehearsals already in full swing, the show promises to be another impressive production. “Jessup Theatre adheres to the expectation that students come to the stage ready to work,” Litwak said. “Students are expected to arrive day-one off book, having memorized their parts…many have already been working on their music in private voice lessons as well. I’m always impressed by the level of talent and dedication I see in our students.”
“Footloose” delivers a message that exemplifies the power of forgiveness particularly for families in times of grief and change. “This is a timely story to tell,” Litwak added. “Especially now, in a pivotal moment where it’s so very important that we find a way to connect over seeming barriers, and choose to build bridges when the easier choice is to focus on the divide. This is the right story for this time.”
