The Teacher
Mrs. Jenny Grace Córdova is a proud graduate of Dixie High, Snow College, and Utah State Theatre Programs. She attended college on leadership, academic, and the Marie Eccles Caine talent scholarships. Jenny has a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre Education with a History Minor. While earning her degree at Utah State University she worked for Mountain Crest High School as a guest Director. Directing MCHS students she realized it was her dream to share her passion for theatre as a teacher and director.
Jenny has spent fifteen years developing and teaching Acting Out Loud. In that time she has taught hundreds of acting classes and several workshops and has had 241 students perform in the Acting Out Loud Showdown. She finds her success in student re-enrollment and when she hears about her students finding courage and self expression in their lives.
Jenny has had numerous experiences acting, directing, and teaching. Most recently she has been building her new studio in St. George, UT. She has held 4 successful play classes since returning to Acting Out Loud in 2022 and is thrilled to be teaching both in St. George and West Jordan, UT.
2017-2019 she taught Theatre 1 & 2, Musical Theater, and Film Studies at Copper Hills High School . CHHS is the largest school in Utah and has a 5A ranking. The job at Copper Hills opened up just as she needed it and Jenny was thrilled and grateful to work with such dedicated and skilled students. It was a dream come to true to produced and direct Rapunzel: the musical, As You Like It, and The Miracle Worker with her CHHS students. With the Production of The Miracle Worker she felt it was a carreer captsone showcasing the magnificant work that she able to produce. It was especially sweet to cast two Acting Out Loud actors in the leading roles at CHHS and that is why their photos are on the front page of this website.
Previously she dedicated her time and energy into Acting Out Loud's Advanced Play Production Class. She and her students have had eight successful years producing and performing 60-90 minute plays, free to the public. Each year the APP Class focuses on a new genre: 2023 Folk Lore The Brave Princess and the Mountain Dweller, and The Great Bear, 2018 Classical "A Little Play Festival" featuring A Little Princess and Little Women, 2017 Musical Alice in Wonderland Jr, 2016 Shakespeare A Midsummer Nights Dream, 2014 Contemporary What Happened in Mrs. Buttercups Kitchen," 2013 Musical Rapunzel, 2012 Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing, and 2011 Contemporary Happy Journey to Camden & Childhood. She finds joy in the challenge of full production plays.
Ever striving to grow as an actor and teacher Jenny attended The Academy of the Dramatic Arts theatre teacher conference July 2019. She renewed her secondary teaching license February of 2018 and . In 2010 Jenny completed the Pre-Professional Class at the Theatre Arts Academy and the winter 2009 adult acting class at Hale Center Theatre. Fall of 2009 she performed in and directed Nicolene's Miracle and in the spring of that year she appeared at the Empress Theatre's One Act Festival as "Love Interest" in the show Beat!.
November 2014 Jenny Grace played a leading role in Afraid to be Me at Sunset Ridge Middle School. SRMS was leading the nation in the anti-bullying movement. Students collaborated with their teacher Mr. Sorenson to write and produce personal stories of bullying. Jenny played the school councilor in the play. She was grateful to have such an awesome opportunity to be on stage again. Performing with three Acting Out Loud All Stars made the experience even sweeter. Jenny has also served as a drama coach and judge for regional and state Drama Competitions, including the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014 5A Drama Competitions in SLC.
In June of 2003 Jenny and her family returned to Utah from Dallas, Texas. Where she actively taught theatre for two years at the then, brand new Creek Valley Middle School. While teaching at CVMS she had the incredible opportunity to build a theatre program from the ground up. In December of 2003 she performed in Here's Love at Rogers Memorial Theatre and in 2004 she taught acting lessons for The Children's Theatre of Salt Lake. Mrs. Córdova has been teaching for twenty-five years and loves teaching theatre because it changes lives for good.
A student of life Jenny thrives when progressing anyone of her three passions: family, teaching and acting. The proud mom of four great kids Jenny knows every good story needs adversity including her own. Plans to expand Acting Out Loud in 2017 were placed on hold to heal from divorce. Plans were delayed again due to Covid-19. Finally, she sadly concluded her time living in West Jordan. It was an amazing 18 years of friendship and professional growth.
Recently married and happily relocated to St. George, Utah Jenny Grace is grateful to have found her path to teaching acting again.
Jenny has spent fifteen years developing and teaching Acting Out Loud. In that time she has taught hundreds of acting classes and several workshops and has had 241 students perform in the Acting Out Loud Showdown. She finds her success in student re-enrollment and when she hears about her students finding courage and self expression in their lives.
Jenny has had numerous experiences acting, directing, and teaching. Most recently she has been building her new studio in St. George, UT. She has held 4 successful play classes since returning to Acting Out Loud in 2022 and is thrilled to be teaching both in St. George and West Jordan, UT.
2017-2019 she taught Theatre 1 & 2, Musical Theater, and Film Studies at Copper Hills High School . CHHS is the largest school in Utah and has a 5A ranking. The job at Copper Hills opened up just as she needed it and Jenny was thrilled and grateful to work with such dedicated and skilled students. It was a dream come to true to produced and direct Rapunzel: the musical, As You Like It, and The Miracle Worker with her CHHS students. With the Production of The Miracle Worker she felt it was a carreer captsone showcasing the magnificant work that she able to produce. It was especially sweet to cast two Acting Out Loud actors in the leading roles at CHHS and that is why their photos are on the front page of this website.
Previously she dedicated her time and energy into Acting Out Loud's Advanced Play Production Class. She and her students have had eight successful years producing and performing 60-90 minute plays, free to the public. Each year the APP Class focuses on a new genre: 2023 Folk Lore The Brave Princess and the Mountain Dweller, and The Great Bear, 2018 Classical "A Little Play Festival" featuring A Little Princess and Little Women, 2017 Musical Alice in Wonderland Jr, 2016 Shakespeare A Midsummer Nights Dream, 2014 Contemporary What Happened in Mrs. Buttercups Kitchen," 2013 Musical Rapunzel, 2012 Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing, and 2011 Contemporary Happy Journey to Camden & Childhood. She finds joy in the challenge of full production plays.
Ever striving to grow as an actor and teacher Jenny attended The Academy of the Dramatic Arts theatre teacher conference July 2019. She renewed her secondary teaching license February of 2018 and . In 2010 Jenny completed the Pre-Professional Class at the Theatre Arts Academy and the winter 2009 adult acting class at Hale Center Theatre. Fall of 2009 she performed in and directed Nicolene's Miracle and in the spring of that year she appeared at the Empress Theatre's One Act Festival as "Love Interest" in the show Beat!.
November 2014 Jenny Grace played a leading role in Afraid to be Me at Sunset Ridge Middle School. SRMS was leading the nation in the anti-bullying movement. Students collaborated with their teacher Mr. Sorenson to write and produce personal stories of bullying. Jenny played the school councilor in the play. She was grateful to have such an awesome opportunity to be on stage again. Performing with three Acting Out Loud All Stars made the experience even sweeter. Jenny has also served as a drama coach and judge for regional and state Drama Competitions, including the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014 5A Drama Competitions in SLC.
In June of 2003 Jenny and her family returned to Utah from Dallas, Texas. Where she actively taught theatre for two years at the then, brand new Creek Valley Middle School. While teaching at CVMS she had the incredible opportunity to build a theatre program from the ground up. In December of 2003 she performed in Here's Love at Rogers Memorial Theatre and in 2004 she taught acting lessons for The Children's Theatre of Salt Lake. Mrs. Córdova has been teaching for twenty-five years and loves teaching theatre because it changes lives for good.
A student of life Jenny thrives when progressing anyone of her three passions: family, teaching and acting. The proud mom of four great kids Jenny knows every good story needs adversity including her own. Plans to expand Acting Out Loud in 2017 were placed on hold to heal from divorce. Plans were delayed again due to Covid-19. Finally, she sadly concluded her time living in West Jordan. It was an amazing 18 years of friendship and professional growth.
Recently married and happily relocated to St. George, Utah Jenny Grace is grateful to have found her path to teaching acting again.
Student References
“I don't know when I've ever had more fun than when I was in your class last summer. Your enthusiasm for your craft is very motivating and invigorating.”
S. Mitchell - Act 3
"Your classes are so fun and I feel like I learn something new every class, I just have to keep coming back to quench my thirst for acting."
B. Peterson - Act 2
Parent References
"My son had a wonderful time and grew in confidence and skill. My favorite thing about this program is how positive Jenny is with her students. I can see them blossom because of her attention and skill. I'd recommend this program for all ages and skill levels."
D. Young of South Jordan
"I think you are an amazing teacher, my kids absolutely love you and your class and they look forward to signing up for your class again!!"
S. Jackson of West Valley
"Plan on our daughter continuing. I will want to do it as a Christmas gift. She has so enjoyed working with you and the other girls!! Thank you for dedicating time and energy into these classes. We are so blessed to have found you!"
T. Jones of West Valley
"My daughter is very excited about the upcoming workshop. Also, she received one of your Acting Out Loud flyers in class and was tickled pink. All the kids in the class received one and recognized her picture. She felt like a star."
J. Wicks of Sandy
"In every way you go the extra mile for the children enrolled in the acting courses. The quality of instruction greatly outweighs the cost of the class. You teach with love and passion. We would like to tell you that since our two children have become involved with acting out loud, we see some positive changes to their self-esteem and their ability to overcome a natural shyness. Our daughter in particular has benefited since she has struggled with some speech problems. After a few months of taking your course, she was removed from her speech class because she no longer needed it. Her pronunciation continues to improve. She was also very reluctant to try out for new things such as softball teams, dance teams, ect. After her 14 months in the Acting Out Loud program she now will engage in these try-outs without hesitation. All of this is in addition to how eager our children are to enroll in each subsequent class that comes up. They have a lot of fun with it. We want to thank you, Jenny, immensely for all the hard work you put into each class."
Lori and Barry Johnson, formerly of West Jordan, UT
Professional Reference Quotes
"We enjoyed having Jenny on staff here at The Children's Theatre of Salt Lake. She has tremendous qualifications and is a delightful teacher who loves children."
Joann Parker Artistic Director - The Children's Theatre of Salt Lake
“Mrs. Peterson works well with students, cheerfully building trust, inspiring confidence, and educating through precept and example. She relates well to student difficulties, issues, and anxieties and demonstrates her deep concern for the growth of each individual with whom she works.”
Jeremy Baer Vocal Music Instructor – Mountain Crest High School
“Jenny carefully guided young actors through the production process like a pro. Students willingly took direction and she brought the best out in each student actor.”
Russ Saxton Theatre Teacher – Dixie High School
“Jenny has a rare excitement for learning... She seeks opportunities to teach those who are less able and challenge those who are ready for greater challenges.”
Mike Helms Theatre Professor – Snow College
“I don't know when I've ever had more fun than when I was in your class last summer. Your enthusiasm for your craft is very motivating and invigorating.”
S. Mitchell - Act 3
"Your classes are so fun and I feel like I learn something new every class, I just have to keep coming back to quench my thirst for acting."
B. Peterson - Act 2
Parent References
"My son had a wonderful time and grew in confidence and skill. My favorite thing about this program is how positive Jenny is with her students. I can see them blossom because of her attention and skill. I'd recommend this program for all ages and skill levels."
D. Young of South Jordan
"I think you are an amazing teacher, my kids absolutely love you and your class and they look forward to signing up for your class again!!"
S. Jackson of West Valley
"Plan on our daughter continuing. I will want to do it as a Christmas gift. She has so enjoyed working with you and the other girls!! Thank you for dedicating time and energy into these classes. We are so blessed to have found you!"
T. Jones of West Valley
"My daughter is very excited about the upcoming workshop. Also, she received one of your Acting Out Loud flyers in class and was tickled pink. All the kids in the class received one and recognized her picture. She felt like a star."
J. Wicks of Sandy
"In every way you go the extra mile for the children enrolled in the acting courses. The quality of instruction greatly outweighs the cost of the class. You teach with love and passion. We would like to tell you that since our two children have become involved with acting out loud, we see some positive changes to their self-esteem and their ability to overcome a natural shyness. Our daughter in particular has benefited since she has struggled with some speech problems. After a few months of taking your course, she was removed from her speech class because she no longer needed it. Her pronunciation continues to improve. She was also very reluctant to try out for new things such as softball teams, dance teams, ect. After her 14 months in the Acting Out Loud program she now will engage in these try-outs without hesitation. All of this is in addition to how eager our children are to enroll in each subsequent class that comes up. They have a lot of fun with it. We want to thank you, Jenny, immensely for all the hard work you put into each class."
Lori and Barry Johnson, formerly of West Jordan, UT
Professional Reference Quotes
"We enjoyed having Jenny on staff here at The Children's Theatre of Salt Lake. She has tremendous qualifications and is a delightful teacher who loves children."
Joann Parker Artistic Director - The Children's Theatre of Salt Lake
“Mrs. Peterson works well with students, cheerfully building trust, inspiring confidence, and educating through precept and example. She relates well to student difficulties, issues, and anxieties and demonstrates her deep concern for the growth of each individual with whom she works.”
Jeremy Baer Vocal Music Instructor – Mountain Crest High School
“Jenny carefully guided young actors through the production process like a pro. Students willingly took direction and she brought the best out in each student actor.”
Russ Saxton Theatre Teacher – Dixie High School
“Jenny has a rare excitement for learning... She seeks opportunities to teach those who are less able and challenge those who are ready for greater challenges.”
Mike Helms Theatre Professor – Snow College
"Every Good Story has a Path of Adversity.”
