Jewish Family Theatre

Celebrating Creativity and Community at Jewish Family Theatre

At the Weinstein JCC, we take pride in being the only Jewish theatre in the Richmond area. Through our Jewish Family Theatre (JFT), we produce and present plays that not only connect Jews to their cultural community but also build bridges to others, fostering understanding and unity.

JFT is a talented group that amplifies the incredible creativity present in our community. Our mission is to encourage individuals to explore art in their own lives through affordable, high-quality theatrical experiences. As a true community theatre, JFT operates on an all-volunteer basis, welcoming friends of all ages and ethnicities, from beginners to experienced professionals, to learn, enjoy, and actively participate in all aspects of our live theatre productions.

OUR NEXT SHOW: FIRES IN THE MIRROR

Opening Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Additional Performances:
February 28, 29, March 2, 7, 9 at 7:30 pm
March 3, 10 at 2:00 pm 

August 1991: simmering tensions in the racially polarized neighborhood of Crown Heights erupt into riots after a Black child was killed by a car in the Chabad-Lubavitcher Rebbe’s motorcade and a white Jewish scholar was slain in retaliation. Anna Deavere Smith’s groundbreaking documentary play uses verbatim testimony from individuals throughout the diverse community, creating a nuanced portrait of a shared but divided geography. This theatrical event – performed over 30 years after these life-changing riots – promises a tour-de-force solo performance and a story which touches upon every American regardless of race, color, or beliefs.

About the Director

Leading the way is our esteemed Director, Debra Clinton, a respected theatre artist in the Richmond community for over 30 years. Debra’s multifaceted career encompasses performing, directing, writing, and teaching theatre. Her directorial credits span prestigious venues such as Virginia Repertory Theatre, Firehouse Theatre, Richmond Triangle Players, Dogwood Dell, and numerous productions at the JCC, including her work on the inclusive theatre program, Kesem. Debra’s artistic contributions have been recognized with awards, including the 2013 Theresa Pollack Award for excellence in theatre and a Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Award for her libretto and lyrics in the original musical, Croaker, created in collaboration with composer Jason Marks.

By day, Debra extends her passion for theatre as a dedicated theatre instructor in Hanover County, sharing her love and knowledge with aspiring artists. Her commitment and enthusiasm for the arts are truly commendable. She expresses heartfelt gratitude to her supportive family, who have always grounded her, and to everyone at the Weinstein JCC who wholeheartedly supports the arts and the remarkable work done by Jewish Family Theatre.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate the joy of theatre, explore Jewish cultural connections, and foster community bonds through the arts. Keep an eye out for our upcoming productions and opportunities to get involved. Together, let’s continue to nurture creativity and strengthen our collective spirit.

For more information about Jewish Family Theatre and our upcoming events, please contact Debra Clinton at [email protected]

Thank you for your continued support and for being an integral part of our vibrant artistic community.

As the only Jewish theatre in the Richmond area, the Weinstein JCC’s Jewish Family Theatre produces and presents plays that connect Jews to their own cultural community and build bridges to others.

This talented group gives a voice to the amazing creativity present in our community, encouraging people to explore art in their own lives through affordable, high-quality theatrical experiences. As a true community theatre, the JFT operates on an all-volunteer base. Friends of all ages and ethnicities, from beginners to experienced pros, are invited to learn, enjoy and participate in all aspects of our live theatre.

About the Director

A theatre artist in the Richmond community for over 30 years, Debra Clinton has made a career performing, directing, writing, and teaching theatre. Directorial credits include work at Virginia Repertory Theatre, Firehouse Theatre, Richmond Triangle Players, Dogwood Dell and countless productions here at the JCC, including work on the inclusive theatre program, Kesem. Debra is a proud recipient of the 2013 Theresa Pollack award for excellence in theatre, as well as a recipient of a Richmond Theatre Critics Circle Award for her libretto and lyrics for the original musical, Croaker, along with composer Jason Marks.

By day, Debra moonlights as a theatre instructor in Hanover County, providing the opportunity to pass along her love and knowledge of theatre and spend her days doing what she loves. She is grateful to her supportive family who have always grounded her and to all those at the Weinstein JCC who support the arts and the work done by Jewish Family Theatre.