20. Jennifer Clymer - Actor, Director, Producer & Improviser
This episode’s guest is, actor, director, producer, improviser, and all-around wonderful human, Jennifer Clymer.
Jen’s journey is a rich tapestry of creativity, resilience, and community building. From founding Chicago’s Playground Improv Theater to producing and directing both indie darlings and major studio projects (Spider-Man, Charlie’s Angels), Jen brings heart and hustle to everything she does.
We talk about her early days in Chicago’s theater scene, how she pivoted into producing, and the powerful work she does now at the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF)—where she helps care for aging and retired members of the entertainment industry. 💛
This episode is also part of @podcasthon, a global initiative spotlighting charitable organizations—and we’re honored to shine a light on the MPTF and the artists it supports.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, a caregiver, a lover of community, or just someone trying to live your next act with purpose—this episode is for you.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Who is Jennifer Clymer?
02:04 – Reconnecting after the pandemic & intro to MPTF
07:10 – Jen’s early creative roots and first steps into improv
10:00 – Building community through The Playground in Chicago
16:00 – How improv shaped her storytelling and career
20:00 – Stage vs. screen: vintage vibes and fast fashion
22:30 – Moving to LA & falling in love with Stanley Kramer films
25:00 – Producing Timecode & working behind the scenes
29:00 – Directing with heart: Be Prepared to Stop
31:00 – Jen’s full circle moment with MPTF & Stanley Kramer
34:00 – From pen pals to LA: a surprise support network
39:40 – What the Motion Picture Television Fund actually does
45:30 – Supporting Thelma & MPTF’s approach to aging with agency
50:30 – Cris shares her journey with Alone Girl
52:27 – Jen’s advice on failure, timing, and creative boldness
55:26 – On being single, creating joy, and finding your “next act”
1:00:00 – Shout-outs, creative chaos, and living blissfully
Jen’s Bio:
Jennifer Clymer is an award-winning actor who loves singing and being on stage and has since childhood. She performs around Los Angeles with the Harvard Yardbirds a capella group.
She is a founding member of The Playground Improv Theater in Chicago and was proud to perform in multiple productions and stages in her career there.
Her time in Los Angeles has included being in-front of and behind the camera in film and television.
Through the pandemic, Jennifer used her improv background to create and host a live, interactive variety show for residents of the MPTF retirement community to keep them engaged and informed. Also she has created and hosts the annual MPTF Instant Film Festival and has been honored to serve as the executive producer for fundraisers and telethons benefiting MPTF.
She is a director/producer who has work on Studio productions, such as Spiderman, Joe Dirt, Adaptation, Charlie’s Angles and independent films - Be Prepared to Stop, Showfolk and Thelma.
Connect with Jen on Instagram
To learn more about MPTF head to their website
To learn more about Podcasthon check out their website
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Thanks for being on this journey with me—and until next time, go find your happy. 💚