Jake Collins is a growing theatre artist who spends his time directing, acting, and playwriting. Like many he started doing theatre by accident, he was thrust into the world of theatre by a high school acting class. It was this class that showed him how rewarding it can be to open yourself up and express a story.

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Since then he has ventured into collegiate theatre and explored things like writing and directing. Each are disciplines that deepen one’s connection to theatre, and they have done just that for him. He’s written multiple unique 10-minute and one-act plays that have been shared with audiences at the University of Central Missouri, all receiving positive feedback complimenting the strength and realism present in his writing. His favorite original play The Pantheon, is a story that showcases the possibilities of a modernized pantheon of new gods and how the world has changed them.

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His recent works in directing, have been complimented by audiences who referenced the strength of relationships presented in the piece. The most recent of which being titled Boxed In by Mora V. Harris. His works thrive on embracing the natural talents of actors allowing them to create grounded, realistic characters. 

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Jake uses similar techniques as an actor. His recent works include portraying Vice Principal Douglas Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a show that challenged him with quick-rhythms and tactically tedious tongue twisters. Otherwise he has worked on shows ranging from Shakespeare to short and long form improv.