Who is Charlene?
Charlene Jean (they/them) is a Haitian-American, queer theatre practitioner, composer, and griot based in Brooklyn, NY. Having lived in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Washington, DC, and California, their diverse experiences have fueled a deep curiosity about themes of home and belonging. Charlene received a Presidential scholarship at Howard University but took the most considerable risk of their life by leaving to pursue musical theatre. Recognizing the limited roles available for fat dark-skinned women, they committed to playwriting to create more meaningful narratives. This dedication has led to significant achievements, including being a 2024 New Music USA grantee, 2024 Foundation for Contemporary Arts awardee, a recipient of the FY2023 New York State Council on the Arts grant, 2022 MAP Grant Fund awardee, amongst others. Their multidisciplinary works have been presented at venues like 54 Below, Playbill, Queens Public Library, Weeksville Heritage Center, and Judson Memorial Church. Charlene's dramaturgy experience includes working at the Public Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, and HERE Arts Center. Benefitting from the Hal Prince fellowship for Broadway-bound productions, Charlene integrates their artistic vision with a dedication to community organizing. In this role, they lead initiatives that foster artistic growth and engagement. As former Grant Committee Chair for the United Order of Tents, a Black women’s collective with routes to the Underground Railroad, they successfully secured over $100K in funding to support impactful programs. Charlene also engages in teaching artistry, facilitating classes that emphasize diverse perspectives and inclusion in storytelling at institutions like Manhattan School of Music, AMAS Musical Theatre, and The Workshop Theatre. Their art examines the intersections of identity, family, land, and movement, grounded in a commitment to social justice. Born as a love child to Charles and Yolene, Charlene carries forward the legacy of their namesakes. They live with their husband, two cats, and a fabulous green couch.
Go support Char in their 54 Below debut in New Writers at 54! Charlene Jean on March 11th 2025
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