The Jewish Community Center Welcomes New Arts and Culture Director

With the opening of its 2016-2017 Arts + Culture season at The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J), Jonathan Jensen has joined the artistic team as Director of the Arts + Culture department.

In his new position, Jensen will be responsible for the oversight of the season and its local productions as well as the upcoming Jewish Film Festival in January 2017. In tandem with The J's Arts + Culture staff, Jensen will work closely with the volunteer committees. Jensen will be responsible for developing key partnerships and strategic relationships within the local arts community.

"We are thrilled to have Jonathan join The J team," said Gayle Levin, The J's assistant executive director. "His diverse theater background will help position The White Theatre and Arts + Culture at The J to expand offerings and reach new audiences."

Jensen comes well prepared for his new assignment with The J's Arts + Culture Department with a strong background in the arts. Most recently, Jensen served as The Managing director of the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket (TWN). During his tenure, Jensen increased audience engagement, grew season ticket sales, and enhanced fundraising strategies in individual giving and special event initiatives.

"I am extremely proud to join the team at The J," Jensen said. "The Arts + Culture department has an outstanding tradition of producing high-quality artistic experiences for our community. I look forward to building upon this legacy and upholding our commitment to uniting art, community and culture through creative engagement, education and enlightenment."

Jensen is no stranger to Kansas City's arts scene. Before his stint with TWN, Jensen served as the director of patron services at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, While at the Kauffman Center, Jensen strengthened front of house operations, boosted volunteer recruitment and retention, and stimulated community engagement in the performing arts.

Jensen joined the Kauffman Center after performing in New York, Chicago and elsewhere in the Midwest as both an actor and production specialist. He has also held positions at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, the Huron Playhouse, and Crossroads Repertory Theatre.

A native of Indiana, Jensen holds a bachelor's degree in musical theatre from Ball State University in Muncie.

About The J

Established more than 100 years ago, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City-The J, provides a warm welcome to families of all backgrounds. The J's all-in-one hub for health, learning and well-being elevates the lives of the community and its members with programs of excellence in fitness, sports, theatre, arts + culture, senior adult programming and youth services including summer camps and child development. Everyone can "live up" at The J, located in Overland Park, Kansas, and at thejkc.org.

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