The creators of We Are The Dream

Denise Gordon and Jestina Weems

We Are The Dream was originally a children’s play written by Kathryn Schultz Miller. In 2016 Denise Gordon adapted the play into a musical with help from your daughter Jestina Weems who wrote eight out of the twelve songs in the full production.

Denise Gordon is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and performer who shares her talents and gifts with the world. A woman with many hats, Denise is best known for her comedy. She’s performed all over the east coast opening for Jay-Jay Walker, Dan Cook, Bob Gautreau, and many others. Denise is also an actress, director, and playwright with over 50 years of experience on and off stage. Denise has performed in several shows such as; Doubt, Having Our Say, The Bus Stop, Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat, Big River, The Waiting Room, and many more. Denise also was one of the directors of the drama club at Pittsfield High School, where she worked with what she referred to as her “uniquely gifted children.”Denise was able to use drama to help them express themselves despite their disabilities. Denise used drama to educate people to see beyond their limitations. Denise recently directed Nevaeh’s Brother at the Seacoast Rep. She also directed plays at the Player’s Ring and Mill Pond theater with Jukawaa Mazo Productions.

Among her many accolades, Denise took acting Classes at the Actors Workshop in Boston, Mass, and acting courses from BU. Denise attended a master’s program at Cambridge College for Education. Denise moved to New Hampshire in 1994 with her husband; they have run a successful building business since 1995, Plano Builders.  Denise was also a proud member of the local union195 NH/Mass since 2009 as a stagehand working electrics, video, audio, props, sets, costumes, hair, makeup, and dresser. Denise has also worked with local 75 with wardrobe, dresser, and sewing, local 481 Boston as set dresser and wardrobe. Denise has also worked with many of the New England unions. Denise is not afraid to seek guidance put in endless hours of learning to perfect her skills and herself. With over five-decade of experience, Denise has impeccable knowledge and specific skills that make her a valuable asset. 

In 2011 Denise started working at the Ogunquit Playhouse as the Rising Stars director, where she fell in love with directing and developing programs that enrich the children’s love for the theater. As a result, Denise developed and directed the Center Stage program. This program was intended to bridge the gap between Rising Stars and Jr. Players. With much support, Denise was able to see this program come to life. Though Denise loves performing on stage, her true joy comes from teaching and directing children. A big child at heart and only 5 foot 2 inches, Denise finds herself young once again among the adventurous minds of her rising stars. Her summers are filled with joy as she returns to the Ogunquit Playhouse once again to teach the art of theatre, confidences, and empowering positive self-esteem. 

Since 2016 Denise and her daughter have been writing and producing their own plays that they perform in New York City.  The mother and daughter duo have also created various content ranging from children’s books, web series, and screenplays. They’re working diligently to have their show “We Are The Dream.” Denise’s dream is to see her hard work performed everywhere, but for now, she will continue to bloom where she is planted. Denise is a visionary, motivator, lover of people, and a woman who understands and lives her purpose.