In Memoriam: Morgan Jenness

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Adjunct Associate Professor of Theatre Morgan Jenness, one of our most beloved, valued, and inspiring teachers.

Largely regarded as one of the most respected dramaturgs in the industry, Morgan has trained hundreds of artists through their teaching and through their work in theaters and festivals. In addition to their work at Columbia, Morgan taught in programs at the University of Iowa, Brown University, Bread Loaf, NYU, Fordham University at Lincoln Center, and Pace University.  

Morgan worked at The Public Theater for over a decade, serving under both Artistic Director George C. Wolfe and founder Joseph Papp, and helped bring the beloved New York Shakespeare Festival to audiences for many years in their role as associate producer. Morgan was also an associate artistic director at the New York Theatre Workshop, an associate director at the Los Angeles Theater Center, and worked with the Young Playwrights Festival, the Mark Taper Forum, the Playwrights Center/Playlabs, the Bay Area Playwrights Festival, Double Image/New York Stage and Film, CSC, Victory Gardens, Hartford Stage, and Center Stage as a dramaturg, workshop director, and artistic consultant.

"Morgan’s vibrant and infectious love of theatre knew no bounds," said Professor of Professional Practice Brian Kulick, Chair of the Theatre Program. "They were equally at home celebrating a much neglected classic text as they were championing the next great avant-garde theatre artist, many of whom they first identified and were so instrumental in introducing to the world. Morgan was a great connector of artists, ideas, and audiences. Their passion and insight into the fundamental necessity of our artform will be greatly missed."

In addition to their teaching and mentorship work, Jenness was a highly awarded member of the theatre industry in their own right. They held an Obie Award Special Citation for Longtime Support of Playwrights, the Doris Duke Impact Award, and the G. E. Lessing Award for Career Achievement from the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas. Jenness was the sixth recipient of this highly prestigious award in LMDA's 30-year history. 

Information on a public memorial, as well as plans for community gathering at the School of the Arts, are forthcoming.