Jen McAuliffe’s one-woman comedy “Chip on Her Shoulder” makes its New York debut at Fringe Festival NYC, showcasing her bold voice and unique storytelling.
From Australia to NYC: The Journey of Jen McAuliffe
Jen McAuliffe’s path to success as a writer has been one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Originally from Australia, McAuliffe has built a reputation as a talented writer who blends sharp humor with emotional depth. Her latest work, Chip on Her Shoulder, marks a significant milestone in her career as it makes its New York debut at the Fringe Festival NYC in April after rave reviews at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Australia.
The play, a fearless and painfully relatable one-woman comedy, explores themes of hopes, coping, resilience, and the invisible pressures placed on women. It’s a perfect example of McAuliffe’s distinct voice, which combines razor-sharp wit with raw, unflinching honesty. The show is both laugh-out-loud funny and emotionally powerful, tackling complex issues with humor and precision.
McAuliffe’s success in the U.S. has been further solidified by her receipt of an O-1B visa for Extraordinary Ability in the Arts. This recognition highlights her growing influence in the world of theatre, film, and television, underscoring the international impact of her writing.
Jen McAuliffe Receives Best Rising Star Award
At Best of Best Review, we are proud to highlight the incredible talent shaping the future of theater. This year, we are thrilled to announce Jen McAuliffe as the recipient of the Best Rising Star for Writing in Theater in New York City of 2026. With her unique voice, sharp wit, and fearless approach to storytelling, Jen has established herself as a standout talent in the theatrical world. This prestigious award further affirms McAuliffe’s status as one of the most exciting emerging voices in theater today.
The Story Behind ‘Chip on Her Shoulder’
Chip on Her Shouldertells the story of a woman navigating the pressures of the cost of living and self-doubt, all while trying to make her mark in a world that often feels stacked against her. The play strikes a perfect balance between comedy and trauma, touching on serious themes such as the emotional toll of societal expectations.
The script for this version of Chip on Her Shoulderhas been reworked to add some Latina themes. The role of the lead character will be played by latina actress, Victoria Nieves, who brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the production and embodies this energy.
McAuliffe’s writing style is marked by its intimacy and emotional precision. She isn’t afraid to delve into difficult subjects with both humor and sensitivity. Through her characters, McAuliffe explores the complexities of modern life, particularly the struggles women face as they try to juggle personal and professional expectations. Her work invites the audience to laugh, but also to reflect on their own experiences.
From the Beginning: The Road to Success
McAuliffe’s journey as a writer began in Australia, where she faced the typical challenges of any emerging artist: finding her voice, navigating the competitive world of tv,film and theater and overcoming the hurdles that often come with being a woman in a male-dominated industry. However, instead of being discouraged, McAuliffe used these obstacles as inspiration to fuel her creativity.
Her passion for storytelling and her drive to connect with audiences helped her overcome early struggles, and she quickly gained recognition in Australia’s theatre community. However, McAuliffe knew that in order to grow as a writer, she needed to broaden her horizons and take her work to a global audience. Moving to the United States was a bold step, but it’s one that has paid off in spades.
“I write to connect, whether it’s with an actor, an audience, or even with myself. That’s what keeps me going,” McAuliffe says of her approach to writing. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her bold and honest approach to storytelling, has made her work stand out in a crowded field.
What Makes McAuliffe’s Writing Unique?
What sets McAuliffe apart as a writer is her ability to infuse her work with both humor and depth. Chip on Her Shoulderis an excellent example of this skill. While it tackles heavy topics like self-doubt, societal pressure, and the emotional cost of ambition, it does so in a way that’s engaging and entertaining. McAuliffe’s writing is sharp, witty, and never afraid to confront difficult truths.
At the same time, McAuliffe’s characters are deeply human. They are flawed, vulnerable, and relatable, making it easy for the audience to connect with them. Her dialogue crackles with authenticity, and her storytelling is both intimate and incisive. Whether dealing with the pressures of work or the challenges of personal relationships, McAuliffe’s characters feel real, and their struggles are something that anyone can understand.
Her approach to writing is also driven by a strong sense of purpose. McAuliffe is not content to simply entertain, she uses her platform to spark important conversations about diversity, representation, and the emotional toll of societal expectations. By focusing on themes of Latinx representation coupled with a powerful performance by Victoria Nieves who embodies this and women’s experiences in the reworked version of Chip on Her Shoulder, McAuliffe is adding a timely and important layer to her already powerful narrative with the acting prowess of Nieves.
A Collaborative Effort: The Role of Jarryd Christensen
Behind every successful play is a team of dedicated individuals who help bring the vision to life. For McAuliffe, one such person is Jarryd Christensen, the producer of Chip on Her Shoulderand long term collaborator. While his role may often be in the background, his contribution to the production has been invaluable. Christensen’s support and expertise have been instrumental in ensuring that McAuliffe’s bold vision reaches the stage.
Though the focus remains on McAuliffe’s distinctive writing and Nieves’ dynamic performance, Christensen’s behind-the-scenes work has played a key role in the success of this project. As a producer, Christensen’s experience and commitment to bringing new voices to the stage has helped elevate Chip on Her Shoulderto the level of excellence that audiences are now experiencing.
The Future of Jen McAuliffe’s Career
With Chip on Her Shouldermaking its New York debut, McAuliffe is poised for even greater success in the future. She is already at work on new projects that will further showcase her talent and commitment to authentic storytelling. She is seeking representation and hopes to get involved in more TV ,film and theatre works in the US.
“The journey is far from over,” McAuliffe reflects. “There’s so much more to say, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me.” With her undeniable talent and audacious approach to storytelling, McAuliffe is sure to continue captivating audiences for years to come.
See ‘Chip on Her Shoulder’ at Fringe Festival NYC
Jen McAuliffe’s Chip on Her Shoulderis a must-see production that showcases the incredible talent of a rising playwright and an actress about to burst onto the city scene. With its sharp humor, emotional depth, and powerful themes of ambition and resilience, the play offers something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to experience this compelling new work at the Fringe Festival NYC in April.
Learn more about Jen McAuliffe and her work through herofficial website.
