“The Trouble With Jesse” is a popular favorite written by students and helps to model positive conflict resolution. For all ages, adults and children alike will be moved to laughter, tears, and more when they experience “The Trouble With Jesse”. For a summary of the play, the original story written by children from which the play was adapted, or video clips from a past performance of “The Trouble WIth Jesse” please see the Imagination Makers websiteFinding ways to resolve conflict effectively and without violence is a constant challenge in our world. The Trouble With Jesse is based on a student written story that explores one boy’s voyage that takes him from a child with “victim” attitude to a young person with an outlook of confidence and self esteem.

“You’re a bad player that’s why we lost the game!” says Jesse, the main character of the play. He is in constant fights with his best friend, Angus. But fights are only one of the problems Jesse can’t seem to work out.

“It’s not my fault –my parents are divorced,” Jesse tells the principal on one of his frequent trips to the office. To his mom, Jesse claims that all his problems would be solved if he could just live with his dad. When his mom refuses, he blames her for what he considers is “a terrible life.” But a chance encounter with a homeless woman convinces Jesse that his life isn’t as bad as he thought. He finds the courage to take responsibility for his actions and confront the challenges that face him.

The story for The Trouble with Jesse was developed using student writing from nine schools in the Denver metro area. Performed in past seasons to rave reviews, this play inspires kids and stimulates their thinking by modeling positive ways to solve problems.

Boulder's Imagination Makers Theater Co. is an internationally acclaimed, professional company presenting innovative theater that is both entertaining and emotionally powerful. Since 1980, there have been over 3,500 performances of 26 original plays, reaching over 3⁄4 of a million young people.

For 29 years, Imagination Makers has toured extensively in Colorado. Out of state, shows have been presented in New York, Connecticut and England, including performances in London at the Newham International Festival of Theater in Education. The company was also selected to perform at the national conference of the American Alliance for Theater and Education. A play created by Imagination Makers in collaboration with students from Brighton High School was chosen for performance at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The company has completed 32 Drama Residency programs in schools and communities across Colorado.