Photo submitted to the Times Observer Jennifer Check, the newly appointed Education Director at Struthers Library Theatre, brings decades of experience and passion for theater and education to her role. A longtime educator and advocate for the arts in Warren County, Check is excited to inspire the next generation of performers and continue her family’s legacy in the theater community.

Getting to know the people who make a difference in our community is important, and Jennifer Check is one such individual who has had a lasting impact on theater and education in Warren County.

A longtime educator with the Warren County School District, Check has been appointed the new education director for the Struthers Library Theatre. This marks a return to the position for Check, who previously held the role from 2010 to 2015.

A passionate advocate for theater education, Check has dedicated decades to enriching the performing awrts in Warren County. Since 1991, she has worked with students in WCSD, instilling in them an appreciation for theater and performance. Her contributions to the local arts scene span multiple leadership roles and creative endeavors.

Check’s journey in theater began at a young age, deeply influenced by her family. “My parents were very involved in Warren Players, and I was literally born involved in the theater,” she shared. “I learned to direct from my father and did many, many shows as a family.”

Her early experiences watching her parents perform left a lasting impression.

“My favorite memory was watching my parents in shows. I loved sitting and watching the whole process and would memorize all the lines, picturing myself doing those roles when I got older.”

While Check has enjoyed many roles in theater, her most rewarding has been as a director. “I get much more reward watching the kids I work with, rather than being the one on the stage,” she said. “I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite show, but I can tell you a hundred favorite parts of each production I have done.”

Her experience as an educator has also shaped her approach to theater. “My experience as an educator has given me so many additional skills with behavior management and adapting my instruction to different learning levels,” she explained. “Directing has its own set of challenges, but at the base of the process is teaching, so a background in teaching is quite useful.”

In her role, Check is excited to reconnect with the theater community.

“I really think I am most excited to work with the people at the theater and once again be part of seeing children experience The Library Theatre and performing on that stage,” she said. “As a community, we don’t realize how fortunate we are to have that theater, and I know some of us take it for granted. The staff at the theater is amazing, and I am so excited to work alongside Eric!”

Check is particularly looking forward to upcoming programs, including bringing “Mary Poppins” to the stage and reviving a Christmas show. “I think seeing kids on stage, singing Christmas songs, and celebrating that season is absolutely the best!” she said.

Throughout her career, Check has drawn inspiration from her father, John Check, who was her biggest mentor. “Everything I learned about directing was from him, and everything I do is to honor his legacy and continue the work that he started,” she shared.

She hopes to bring that same passion to the theater’s educational programs. “I hope I bring the love of performing to these programs,” she said. “I hope the kids see how theater and the skills you learn from performing are lifelong skills that they will carry with them and use the rest of their lives.”

Theater has always been a family affair for Check, whose four daughters have all been involved in the arts. “They came to rehearsals with me from the time they were very small, were put on stage in small parts in many of the shows I directed, and then went on to audition and become part of shows and performing groups all through school,” she said. While none pursued careers in the performing arts, they continue to participate because they love it.

Being a parent has also shaped Check’s perspective on arts education. “I find myself much more lenient with kids’ schedules because I know what it is like to drive four kids to eight different activities and try to keep it all together,” she said. “I get it, I’ve been there, and I know from experience how things come together.”

One of the family’s cherished traditions is getting Chinese food on opening night. “It just always happened, and somehow became a tradition that always brought all of us good luck!” she shared.

Jennifer Check’s impact on theater in Warren County is far-reaching. She has served as the director of ARTE (Allegheny Regional Theatre Experience), mentored young performers, and led programs like the All-County Musical and Youth Connection. Her influence has created an environment where students learn and thrive in numerous ways.

Many of her former students have gone on to successful careers in theater. Elise Brown, who is touring with the Broadway show “Hadestown,” credits Check as a constant source of support and inspiration. “Jen Check has been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout my life,” Brown said. “Her encouragement and mentorship have been invaluable, always pushing me to do my best while reminding me of my worth.”

Beyond her work in education, Check is an active member of the Warren Players Club, contributing her expertise on and off the stage. Her ability to guide, inspire, and create has left an unforgettable mark on the arts in Warren County.

As she steps back into her role as education director, Check brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering arts education in the community. Her return is welcomed with excitement by students, performers, and theater enthusiasts alike as she continues to shape the cultural landscape of Warren County.

She resides in Warren with her four daughters, who have grown up surrounded by the creativity and passion she brings to her work. Her influence on theater and education in the region has been profound, and her renewed leadership at the Struthers Library Theatre promises to further enrich the arts for years to come.