York College Alumna’s One‑Act Play ‘A Test of Taste’ Succeeds on the New York Stage
Kendra Jones, a 2018 graduate of York College of Pennsylvania, has recently seen her one‑act play, A Test of Taste, return to the New York City stage after a successful premiere in fall 2024. Her journey from a biology major to a playwright illustrates how a supportive college environment can spark unexpected passions and open doors to professional success.
From Biology to the Arts: A Journey of Discovery
Jones initially enrolled at York College aiming to become a veterinarian. The rigorous structure of biology coursework appealed to her, but she struggled in several lab courses. While navigating these challenges, she stumbled upon the university’s Creative Writing minor—a workshop that emphasized open experimentation rather than strict scientific protocol.
“The contrast felt liberating,” she says. “The science classes were methodical; the writing workshops allowed me to explore ideas without constraints.” Instantly, Jones found a creative outlet and began to devote more time to literary projects, eventually earning a double major in Biology and Professional Writing, with a minor in Creative Writing.
While at York, she interned with a local newspaper, served as editor‑in‑chief of the student newspaper, and published pieces in the campus literary magazine, The York Review. Each role sharpened her storytelling skills and reinforced her confidence in writing as a viable career path.
A Test of Taste: The Play that Captures Authentic NYC Life
Story and Inspiration
*A Test of Taste* draws on Jones’s own experiences as a gig‑worker, tasting and rating products for online marketplaces during her early years in Manhattan. The narrative follows a trio of panelists hired through Craigslist to evaluate obscure culinary items. The play delves into themes of identity, public persona, and the often unseen reality behind day‑to‑day labor.
Production and Performance
Premiering at the Belmont Theatre in fall 2024, the production showcased Jones’s skill in character development and concise dialogue. Anna NY Times reviewers praised the authenticity of the depiction and the clever humor interwoven into the narrative. After the successful debut, the play was revived for a summer run in 2025—demonstrating its appeal to a broader audience and its resonance with contemporary city life.
Building a Multifaceted Career in the City
Athletics, Teaching, and Off‑Broadway Reviews
Beyond authoring, Jones’s post‑graduate career has been as varied as her skill set. She worked in Columbia University’s Athletics Department as an Intramural Sports Program Assistant, officiated women’s college basketball in New York City, and taught at Writopia Lab, a nonprofit that mentors young writers.
Entrepreneurship Through Substituting and Coaching
Jones also leverages her versatility by substituting for private schools, engaging in freelance writing, and reviewing on-and‑off Broadway productions. These roles have broadened her professional network and provided a steady creative income—an essential strategy for many early‑career writers.
Lessons for New Graduates: Embrace Passion and Perseverance
Prioritizing Mental and Physical Health
Jones stresses the importance of self‑care: take time outdoors, maintain an active lifestyle, and set personal boundaries. “Persebot tion and health go hand‑in‑hand,” she notes. “It’s not enough to chase opportunities—one must sustain the energy to pursue them.”
Career Flexibility and Adaptability
Her path exemplifies flexibility. She did not wait for a single, linear career; instead, she combined multiple roles—athletics, teaching, writing—to build a holistic professional profile. Graduates can learn from this by cultivating transferable skills that increase resilience in a volatile job market.
Next Projects and Ongoing Literary Pursuits
On Burnside Mountain and the German Memoir
In October 2025, Jones is slated to produce another stage adaptation, On Burnside Mountain, also based on a real-life story. Concurrently, she is developing a nonfiction book about a German woman who survived the war—drawing on interviews, oral histories, and her recent travel to Germany. This memoir will blend memoir, oral testimony, and rigorous research to present a layered historical narrative.
How York College Prepares Students for Success
Professor Dr. Travis Kurowski, an Associate Professor of Creative Writing, notes that York College’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study—a blend of STEM, liberal arts, and creative practice—equips students to thrive beyond the campus. “We do not fear students’ pivoting toward new interests,” he says. “The skills they acquire here are transferable to the arts, science, business, and beyond.”
Jones attributes her confidence to the mentorship she received: “Dr. Kurowski constantly reminded me that I was a writer and that I had the freedom to pursue where my creativity led me.” Such guidance has shaped the success path of countless alumni.
Plan Your Own Creative Path with York College
York College’s strong writing curriculum, coupled with diverse extracurricular avenues, can help aspiring writers and performers uncover hidden talents and build a robust portfolio. Whether you aim to write a novel, produce a play, or combine science and arts, the university’s resources offer a solid foundation.
Graduate and higher‑education programs, including MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Columbia University, are accessible to York alumni with the university’s supportive alumni network.
Next Steps for Aspiring Creatives
Graduate and professional programs are a good place to start forging a career, either by expanding a current skill set or by gaining new knowledge which would benefit your professional aspirations. Apply now to begin your creative journey at York College.
If you’re curious about how to blend academic pursuits with real‑world experience, schedule a free conversation with an admissions counselor. Schedule a campus visit today.
We invite all recent graduates and students to share their progress and questions in the comments below. Explore related articles for further reading and learn how York College scholars are shaping the future.
