About
Jennifer fell in love with stories when, as a child, she would read under the blankets long past bedtime, flashlight in hand. She spent her teen years acting in school plays, then toured with a repertory theatre company in the early 80's.​ She is a Theatre Ontario award-winning director and designer and the founder and retired artistic director of CAST Theatre Company, an interdisciplinary arts program for young people that operated out of the Market Centre Theatre (1996-2016). Many of her students have gone on to professional careers, with credits across Canada and the US.
A prize-winning short story writer (Eden Mills Literary Contest, Stratford Writers Festival), Jennifer's creative work has appeared in WOW Magazine, Canadian Stories Magazine, The National Arts Centre's Canada Performs Series, and elsewhere. ​She has published two children's books - wish - a collaboration with artist Shane Norrie, and Iris and Cora - Adventures of the Tall Cousins, illustrated by Krystan Maclean. She has been a contest reader for the International Amy MacRae Award for Memoir since 2021.
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Jennifer loves design of all kinds, hanging with her gaggle of granddaughters and adventuring with her mini Aussie Betsy. She co-owns and operates jpvoiceovers with her partner in all things, Jason. They work out of their home studio in Stratford, ON.
"For many years, I have been charmed by Jen Paquette’s ability to tell a story on stage. I have seen many plays she has directed, and the clarity of her concept and her artistry are impressive. I have also admired her work as a mentor to young people, developing their skills in storytelling on stage. Now that Jen has turned her attention to writing, I look forward to reading her own words as she draws us into her vision. Brava, Jen!"
~Ron Cameron-Lewis
Professor Emeritus, Sheridan College