Jennifer Yormak
StarStruck Theatre Co-Founder
Artistic Director
JENNIFER YORMAK (Co-Founder/Artistic Director) Jennifer’s career has spanned over 30 years as an educator, mentor and “mother” to many. She graduated with a BS from Simmons College then continued onto Queens College where she received her Master’s Degree in Education. Jennifer taught elementary and middle school in the NYC Public School system, and upon moving to Florida, served as the Director of Education at Temple Beit HaYam, building the first religious school of its kind in Stuart, Florida. In June 2000, realizing Martin County was in dire need of a top-notch performing arts education center, one that would enhance children’s confidence and skills in a creative and safe space, Jennifer directed the musical, GUYS & DOLLS Jr. and her “third” child, aka StarStruck, was born. Since then, Jennifer has directed over 75 musicals, 30 plays and countless musical revues, awards shows and events not only for StarStruck but for the community at large. Jennifer volunteers for Tykes and Teens judging their annual “Stars Over Stuart” Talent show, and for ten years has directed Healthy Start Coalition’s “Dancing with The Martin Stars” which raises money to support and educate pregnant women and infants. Jennifer was awarded Broadway World’s Best Director for the play, NEXT FALL and is a recipient of the Martin County Arts Council “mARTie Award” for Outstanding Performing Artist. At the Music Theatre International Junior Festival in Atlanta, Jennifer was awarded Best Direction for ANNIE Jr. and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Jr. and in 2006, Jennifer was asked to direct the Florida State premiere of the musical, SUMMER of ’42. Jennifer has had the incredible opportunity to work with John Caird and legendary composer, Stephen Schwartz, creating student versions of Disney’s MY SON, PINNOCHIO and CHILDREN OF EDEN as well as producing and directing the world premiere Junior and School Editions of RENT and SWEENEY TODD, HAIRSPRAY and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and more. Jennifer is part of Palm Beach DramaWorks New Works reading series where she performs with other professional actors and directors enabling young aspiring playwrights to see their plays produced. As the Artistic Director of StarStruck Academy & Theatre, which offers over 20 classes per week to hundreds of aspiring young artists, Jennifer directs multiple musicals and plays each year while also teaching acting, audition prep and musical theatre. She has brought Broadway stars such as Vanessa Williams, Paul Canaan and Laura Bell Bundy to work with her students and she proudly boasts alumni on Broadway, TV, film, and at the top performing arts conservatories and universities in the country. A performer since the age of 6, and life-long student, Jennifer received her certification in the Meisner Acting Technique from master teacher, Larry Silverberg. Some of her favorite roles include, Velma in CHICAGO, Sally Bowles in CABARET, and “Golde” in the sold out run of StarStruck’s FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, which she also directed. Directorial favorites include COMPANY, CABARET, PIPPIN, AIDA, LES MISERABLES, A CHORUS LINE, SPRING AWAKENING, 13 THE MUSICAL, LA CAGE aux FOLLES, RENT, GYPSY, THE LAST 5 YEARS, LEGALLY BLONDE and the play NEXT FALL. Jennifer recently directed the world premiere of a new musical by Bonnie Gleicher, GAVROCHE, which was lauded for being the first socially distanced musical in Florida. Jennifer has two incredible children, Amanda and Kevin Paul, who both reside in New York City.