Renata Townsend
- Adjunct Instructor Theatre and Dance College of the Arts
- townsendr@montclair.edu
Biography
Renata Townsend is a creative learning strategist, educator, theatre artist, and children’s media consultant with more than 15 years of experience creating theatre and learning experiences for young people. Her work centers on Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), devised theatre, puppetry, arts education, and the intersection of storytelling, play, and learning.
Renata has worked with organizations including The New Victory Theater/New 42, NJPAC, Lincoln Center Theater, Park Avenue Armory, St. Ann's Warehouse, Trusty Sidekick Theater Company, Warner Bros. Discovery/Cartoonito, Hidden Pigeon Company, Netflix, and Pinna. Her work in children’s media has included educational consulting, curriculum development, audience research, and creative development for projects including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, and the relaunch of Reading Rainbow. She has written teacher resource guides for Broadway shows including Six, Jagged Little Pill, OK!, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
At Montclair State University, Renata teaches Theatre for Young Audiences and develops opportunities for students to create and perform original work for young audiences in partnership with local schools. Her teaching emphasizes devising, collaboration, creative process, and understanding young people as sophisticated and active audiences.
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