J.J. Cobb

J.J. Cobb is a Professor of Acting in the Department of Communication, Film and Theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University, where she serves as a dedicated educator and professional director, playwright, voice/period movement coach, and actor.

Her educational background includes:

• M.F.A. in Acting Performance from the University of Arizona
• B.A. in Theatre (with minors in English and Ethnic Studies) from California State University, Fresno

Professor Cobb specializes in Site-Specific Theatre and Historic Event Playwriting, with notable productions including The Couriers, Sweet Flag, and Cantilever. Her research extends to Laban-based Character Development and the professionalization of acting. Through her initiative "The Financially-Savvy Starving Artist", she provides critical financial literacy resources for artists covering budgeting, retirement planning, tax strategies, and debt management.

Her distinguished recognitions include:

• Freeman Scholar by the Japan Studies Association Institute
• Site-Specific Theatre Advisor to the Institute of Outdoor Theatre/Southeastern Theatre Conference

As "The Financially-Savvy Starving Artist", she mentors artists on financial sustainability while directing major productions at Eastern including Blithe Spirit, Little Women, and Dancing at Lughnasa. She leads the Site-Specific and Historic Event Playwriting Lab, which has generated acclaimed works across multiple U.S. locations including Connecticut, Ohio, California, and Hawaii.