"What a production! I was wary when I learned it was a production of kids, but really, it was as good as many of the local musical theatre productions I've seen in town. All in all, a completely professional, enjoyable night of theatre...and one of my favorite shows, so it was a joy to get to see it again!"
-Goldstar Review
"This was terrific -- some of the voices of these young actors were startlingly good! I didn't realize when I purchased the tickets that this was the youth conservatory, but I'm glad I didn't because I might have underestimated the professionalism of the cast. "
-Goldstar Review
"What a treat! These young (and a few not so young) performers sang and acted like seasoned professionals. We were so impressed and delighted!"
-Goldstar Review
“As a playwright, you can have no greater director championing your work than Jessica Bird. I trusted Jessica and her vision for the piece immediately, and continue to trust her with first drafts as well as polished scripts. She truly has a knack for shepherding a piece through its infancy and into adulthood.”
Lance Arthur Smith, Playwright
Read More"Jessica has been one of the most dedicated and brightest artists to come through our door, and I always tell everyone that 'If you need something difficult done, give it to Jessica.' "
Sam Woodhouse, San Diego REP's Artistic Director
Read More"Jessica Bird is a smart and ambitious leader. She is a fierce visionary guide, eager to collaborate with the teams she assembles. She fosters a working group that excels in surprising creative solutions. When working as her Lighting Designer, I felt more creative."
Sherrice Mojgani, Lighting Designer God of Carnage
Read More"Jessica’s calm guidance and elegant craftsmanship gave me the confidence to play this part, which frankly scared the shit out of me. I believe she is the future of the theater. She understands what people want to see and think about, right now, in this bubble of time that we live in."
Nick Cagle, AEA Actor Uncanny Valley
Read More"Immersing myself in the world of The Laramie Project was one of the most gratifying theatrical experiences I have ever had. Jess was very helpful in guiding me to discover the power of vulnerability on stage as well as realizing the significance of being present with the ensemble of scene partners sharing the stage with me."
Lucas Goodman, Student Actor The Laramie Project
Read MoreBrutally honest, courageous, sensual, unusual and immensely entertaining”
- Herbert Seguenza, audience member
Read More“Excellent play, performance and soul journey. Devra's willingness to uncover all, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical and express it through her dance and humorous musings is an act of pure unflinching courage. An inspiring and uplifting show.”
- Neal Katz, audience member
“A hugely enjoyable and fulfilling evening. Devra was authentic, accomplished, entertaining and uplifting. It was an honor to be able to witness her story including all of the spiritual, emotional, romantic, physical and intellectual elements of her life. The show was an experience that I will remember and be inspired by for the rest of my life.”
- Mitch Wallis, audience member
Read More“Tremendous Tour de Force! A magnetic, transformational journey of personal revelation that is a truly an inspirational must-see for us all!”
-Tes Kempner, audience member
Read More“This Story touched the world and celebrates the best that we can be. We need it, especially right now. “
- Tom Brokaw, NBC
Read More“Thomas Gibbons’ Uncanny Valley is an absolutely delicious play directed astutely and with heart by Jessica Bird.”
- Charlene Baldridge, San Diego Uptown News Critic
Read More“Director Jessica Bird has done an inspired job of dramatizing Julian’s gradual development through simple but convincing stage techniques. She also presides over one of the most extraordinary performances you’re likely to see anytime soon in Cagle’s singular portrayal of Julian.”
- Jim Herbert, San Diego Union Tribune Critic
Read More“Director Jessica Bird has the right cast and knows what to do with them.”
- Jean Lowerson, SDGLN Critic
Read More“Under Jessica Bird’s taut, well-paced direction, Rosina Reynolds and Nick Cagle are superb.”
- Pat Launer, Center Stage Critic
Read More“Best play I've seen at San Diego Rep in 2 to 3 years.”
- Anonymous Audience Member Survey, Uncanny Valley
Read More“Everything was top notch. The actors, the directing, lighting costumes, set. It all contributed to telling the story and enlightening the content.”
- Anonymous Audience Member Survey, Uncanny Valley
Read More“Bird and her actors convey a sure feel for the ebbs and flows of conflict, and for the ever-shifting alliances that develop among the four characters…Bird has also gone for a striking and ingenious design. That’s entirely fitting not only for the characters' juvenile antics but for a story that begins in a schoolyard.”
- Jim Hebert, San Diego Union Tribune Critic
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