LORNA VENTURA
CHOREOGRAPHER / DIRECTOR
HIGHLIGHTS
a little ABOUT ME
With a long list of credits from Broadway to film and television, my focused inclination for visual storytelling has been fostered over many years. I lead with passion and humor, always striving to illuminate new stories — whether a tender moment on stage or a complex film sequence, I search for the balance and clarity in every beat. Character-driven work excites me, and I look to balance raw, explosive movement with subtle pedestrian transitions to create moments where the characters move because they must, because it is the only logical progression to ultimately support and elevate the story.
SELECTED PROJECTS
FILM, TV + video
theatre
UPCOMING IN THEATRE
The Life — Directed by Billy Porter, Associate Choreographer Lorna Ventura, at Encores! 2022 City Center.
Nominated for 12 Tony Awards (including Best Musical) The Life tells the story of Queen, and her fellow sex workers, who strive for a better life against all oppressive forces in post-disco Times Square. The production includes Jelani Alladin as Lou, Alexandra Grey as Queen, Antwayn Hopper as Memphis, Grammy-nominee Mykal Kilgore as Young JoJo, Grammy Award-winner Ledisi as Sonja, Erika Olson as Mary, Destan Owens as Old Jojo, and Ken Robinson as Fleetwood.
Destiny of Desire — Directed by Ruben Santiago Hudson, Choreography by Lorna Ventura
"With vibrant choreography by Lorna Ventura, live music by Ricky Gonzales and Karen Zacaria's outstanding script, I know audiences will find it to be an especially fun and memorable night at the Guthrie." — Artistic Director Joseph Haj.
American Prophet: Frederick Douglass
In His Own Words — Directed by Charles Randolph Wright, Choreography by Lorna Ventura, at Arena Stage
"On behalf of the Douglass family, I thank the American Prophet team for animating his life and that of my great-great-great-grandmother, Anna Murray Douglass. I pray that the spirit of Frederick and Anna will live intensely in the hearts and minds of everyone who has an opportunity to attend this powerful Arena Stage production." – Kenneth Morris, Descendant of Frederick Douglass & Booker T. Washington
Recent WORK
.png)
Outside-in (Quarantine Session) — Director/Choreographer Lorna Ventura
"A look at individual intimate experiences in isolation, revealing different perspectives and storylines, told through visceral movement and dance, ultimately finding a collective expression that comes through this stirring and powerful music video."
See Her — Director/Choreographer Lorna Ventura
Based on the original poem by Iman Schuk, See Her premiered as part of the second annual Female+ Forward Festival.
Dedicated to Stacey Abrams, Symone Sanders, Tamika Mallory, Kamala Harris, Tarana Burke, the Mothers of the Movement and the countless Black women who have pushed us forward towards this most important moment.
Billions Season 6 — As Mike Prince takes his place on the Axe Cap throne, Chuck Rhoades is determined that no one should have that much wealth – or that much power. With stakes higher than ever, all the power players seek out new alliances as kingdom goes up against kingdom.
How We Love/F*ck — A new play from powerhouse playwright/actor Lillian Isabella, Directed by Lorna Ventura at the Cherry Lane Theatre
A sex-positive theatre piece in response to the #MeToo movement, exploring "sexual agency, the healing power of ecstatic experience, and the importance of sharing this new understanding with the world."
Women on Fire: Stories from the Edge — A Global Theatre performance series curated by Cheryl Weisenfeld.
A vibrant message to impart to young women today, an energizing evening of well-directed and performed monologues surrounded by excellent dancers, who weave throughout the taut 80-minute performance, providing wisdom, beauty, and even some comic relief from our current political climate.