BOARD TERM 2023-2026
Jalen C. Penn (he/him) is an actor, director, rapper/DJ, and educator who uses his educational background and hip-hop roots/influences to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all things he pursues.
Jalen Originally attended Saint Martin’s University to study English Language Arts in attempts to become a scholar, but was quickly hit with the Theatre bug after being cast in his first evening of one acts on campus. This inspired Jalen to pursue a double major in English Language Arts and Theatre Arts at SMU. During this time Jalen would appear in a multitude of school productions and community productions but his favorites are as follows: Into the Woods (Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince), Uncle Vanya (Astrov), The Drowsy Chaperone (George), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (El Fayoumy), Polaroid Stories (Orpheus); and post grad Shrek the Musical (Donkey) with SRO Theatre in Yelm and As You Like it (Orlando) with Gold Finch Productions in Olympia, WA.
In addition to his on stage experiences, Jalen takes great pride in his directing and stage managing too. Most recently, Jalen returned to his Alma Mater, SMU, and co-directed The Play That Goes Wrong. He has also assisted stage manage multiple productions for The Harlequin Theatre and Olympia Family Theatre in Olympia, WA. Jalen is eager to continue this good work as he pursues more opportunities up North with TLT and others alike. Furthermore, Jalen hopes to seek more opportunities to work with more creatives of color who look like him and have similar experiences and stories to tell.
While a big chunk of Jalen’s experiences are in theatre production, Jalen is an accomplished educator as well, where he adopts a Hip-Hop cultural philosophy in the classroom, which he thinks can be applied to stage work too. Jalen believes theatre, like hip-hop, is about truth, rhythm, and giving voice to stories that demand to be heard. His philosophy blends art and education—using the stage as a classroom where curiosity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness are sharpened. Jalen is committed to building spaces where artists and learners alike can take risks, speak boldly, and grow through the process. Education and theatre both thrive on representation, mentorship, and real-world relevance. If the work has a pulse, a purpose, and the power to teach, it belongs in the spotlight.