Jennifer McAuliffe — writer and director of Chip on Her Shoulder.
Australian writer Jen McAuliffe makes her New York debut with her acclaimed play, Chip on Her Shoulder.
Jen McAuliffe’s Chip on Her Shoulder is more than just a play. It’s an exploration of the messy and often uncomfortable truths that accompany the complex realities of womanhood. From themes of ambition to grief and resilience, McAuliffe’s writing beautifully blends sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy with raw emotional depth. After a successful run at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, McAuliffe’s work has made its way to New York, marking a defining moment in her career as an Australian writer.
From Melbourne to Manhattan: A Journey of Empowerment and Storytelling
Jen McAuliffe’s path to success hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Her career began in media and advertising before expanding into the world of TV production, where she honed her skills as both a writer and director. She has since earned an O1B visa for extraordinary ability in the arts, a testament to her talent and unique perspective in the creative industry. Mentored by Steve Leff of Curb Your Enthusiasm fame, McAuliffe’s journey has been a steady ascent toward becoming a respected voice in the theater community.
Through her production company Off with Their Heads Productions, McAuliffe has created an outlet for herself and other underrepresented voices in theater. Chip on Her Shoulder, her latest work, shines a light on the vulnerability, resilience, and emotional complexity of women, particularly women who often find themselves silenced or marginalized in society.
For McAuliffe, writing from lived experience is essential. “I’m interested in stories that blend humor and pain, where you’re laughing one moment and suddenly recognizing yourself in the next,” she explains. This duality is central to Chip on Her Shoulder, a story that pulls no punches in its portrayal of the hunger, heartbreak, and raw coping mechanisms that many women experience but often go unspoken. McAuliffe’s work is about making those silences heard.
A Play That Talks About More Than Just Womanhood
Jennifer McAuliffe — writer and director of Chip on Her Shoulder.
At its core, Chip on Her Shoulder is an exploration of modern womanhood, but McAuliffe’s writing also delves into issues such as binge eating, grief, and the mental health struggles that many women face in silence. The play’s themes of shame, ambition, and identity resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever felt trapped in the confines of societal expectations or just chasing their dreams. Through humor, McAuliffe opens a dialogue about these issues, offering a space for reflection and growth.
One of the most compelling aspects of the play is its ability to balance deep emotional truths with comedy. The Australian Arts Review describes the play as “sharp, smart and deeply human,” acknowledging McAuliffe’s unique approach to storytelling that is both humorous and heart-wrenching. “The show isn’t just about failure and frustration; it’s a love letter to the mess of modern womanhood,” the review notes, capturing the raw essence of McAuliffe’s work.
“I want to show the awkwardness, the messiness of life, especially for women,” McAuliffe says. “We’re expected to have it all together, but the truth is, we don’t. And that’s okay.” It’s this honesty that has made Chip on Her Shoulder a crowd favorite, ranking as a top “crowd-pleaser” at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Breaking Barriers: A Celebration of Women’s Voices
While Chip on Her Shoulder draws from McAuliffe’s personal journey, it speaks to the experiences of so many women and to someone we all recognize.
A key part of this vision is the casting of Victoria Nieves, a talented actress whose fearless, emotionally charged performances bring McAuliffe’s script to life. Nieves, who made her name in New York’s Capital Region, brings a raw and nuanced energy to the role, and has already garnered significant acclaim for her performances in both classical and contemporary theater.
Her portrayal in Chip on Her Shoulder is one of raw vulnerability and empowerment, capturing the essence of McAuliffe’s writing. “Victoria’s performance is exactly what I hoped for when I wrote this play,” McAuliffe shares. “She brings so much of herself to the role, and that authenticity is what makes this production special. Her range is phenomenal and will blow you away”
Victoria Nieves — actress in Chip on Her Shoulder.
Jen McAuliffe: Best Rising Star for Writing in Theater in New York City of 2026
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.
A Raw, Unapologetic Comedy That Makes You Think
The humor in Chip on Her Shoulder isn’t just for laughs, it’s a tool that McAuliffe uses to disarm her audience, allowing them to sit with uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. The play’s moments of sharp, witty humor are often followed by emotional gut punches that leave the audience reflecting long after the curtain falls.
Audience reactions to the play have been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on how deeply relatable and thought-provoking the production is. “Absolutely brilliant writing and direction. Sharp, funny, and painfully relatable,” said one attendee. Another described the show as “uncomfortable in all the right ways. Hilarious, honest, and emotionally devastating.” These reactions are a testament to McAuliffe’s ability to create a space where laughter and pain coexist, making for an unforgettable theater experience.
Looking Toward the Future: More to Come from Jen McAuliffe
As Chip on Her Shoulder continues to make waves in New York, McAuliffe is already thinking ahead to her next project. The success of this play has cemented her reputation as a writer who isn’t afraid to take risks, and she plans to continue exploring themes of identity, resilience, and mental health in future works.
“New York is a place where risk-taking in the arts is celebrated,” McAuliffe says. “It feels like the perfect place for this show to land, and I’m so excited to see how it connects with audiences here.”
Experience This Bold, Emotional Production
If you’re in New York, don’t miss the chance to experience Chip on Her Shoulder at the New York Fringe Festival in April. McAuliffe’s razor-sharp writing, combined with Victoria Nieves’ powerful performance, will leave you both laughing and reflecting on the complexities of modern womanhood. This play is an invitation to embrace the messiness of life, to laugh in the face of discomfort, and to recognize the beauty in both our struggles and triumphs.
Learn more about Jen McAuliffe and her work through her official website.
