Jessie Bender

Jessie Bender is a Lecturer in the Department of Theatre at Chapman University's College of Performing Arts. She holds an M.F.A. in Drama: Stage Management from the University of California, Irvine, and a B.A. in Theater Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Her teaching focuses on leadership, collaboration, and professional preparedness for stage managers, informed by her experience in union and non-union theatrical environments. She mentors student stage managers through departmental productions and advocates for safe, consent-based practices in creative settings.

Bender’s research explores intimacy direction, evolving roles of stage managers as artistic leaders, and consent frameworks in academic theatre. She is certified as an Intimacy Director through Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) and Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE).

Her professional experience includes work with institutions like the Geffen Playhouse, Laguna Playhouse, and International City Theatre Long Beach.