Spark Artist

Jesse J. Sanchez is an acclaimed composer-lyricist, writer, and music director whose work has reached audiences nationwide. A two-time recipient of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Frank Young Grant and a recipient of the Milagro Latino Artist Fund Grant, Jesse’s work has been celebrated for its innovation and cultural resonance. He is currently under commission or has received commissions from prestigious organizations such as Zach Theatre, Boston Lyric Opera, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Portland Opera, TYA/USA, The 24 Hour Plays, Camelot Theatre, and more.

Jesse is an alumnus of numerous distinguished programs, including the Musical Theatre West New Works Festival, NAMT, The Orchard Project, The Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed, Austin Latinx New Play Festival, Prospect Theatre’s Musical Theatre Lab, Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Black Swan Lab, and New York Theatre Barn Core Programs, including the Barn on Fire Festival of New Musicals (mentored by Jerry Mitchell). 

His notable works include Sueños: Our American Musical, Zapata: A Folklorico Superhero Musical, desert in, We Three Queens, and many more. His music and stories have graced major regional theaters, Off-Broadway stages, opera houses, and other esteemed venues across the country, such as the Playbill Songwriter Series, a sold-out concert of his music at The Green Room 42 in NYC, the Songwriter Showcase at NAMT, Broadway League’s The Jimmy Awards (2023 & 2024), and the Broadway Housing Committee Gala hosted by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Jesse is also collaborating with the Dr. Seuss Estate and The Old Globe to create a Spanish version of their Broadway musical, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His music is available on all major streaming platforms and is regularly featured on Sirius XM Broadway and Musical Theatre Radio.