Science is for everyone.
We want students all across the country to believe that, and we need your help to make it happen! We are seeing a shift in our society to encourage more interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and with reason.
Science promotes creativity, confidence, critical thinking skills, and independent thought.
But science can be intimidating if presented poorly, both in and out of the classroom. In fact, females are less likely to pursue interests in STEM after high school, in part due to the lack of positive role models, and this lack of representation affects students of color even more.
We're ready to address these issues nationwide by mixing science with its natural counterpart- the arts.
After all, everyone knows that science and the arts go hand-in-hand!
Jargie the Science Girl! is a live, interactive children's show that combines the magic of theatre with the world of science. Geared at grades K-5, Jargie and her penguin lab assistant Benjamin take the audience on a scientific adventure that empowers everyone to think critically and creatively about the world around them. We've been touring locally to schools in Southern California since 2017 and we are ready to take this wonderful program to theaters across the United States! Here is a sneak peek of our national version:
What we've accomplished so far...
Jargie the Science Girl! was first created by Jocelyn Argueta and Steve Cisneros in 2016 (learn more about the creative team below). Since its first show in January of 2017, there has been a steady, and increasing, interest in the performance and in our mission to promote science through arts education. Here are a few highlights of the last two years.
-Performed for nearly 2,500 students at 26 locations, which include schools, malls, after-school programs, youth groups
-Gained representation by Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County
-Met and talked to Broadway producers at the Commercial Theatre Institute in New York
-Attended the California Activities Director Association
-Pitched Jargie to producers from all around the country at the Western Arts Alliance 2018
-Exhibited at the California Science Teachers Association Conference in 2016 and 2018
-Booked four performances at the Smithsonian Institute's Discovery Theater in Washington D.C. for March 2019
-Booked and sold out two performances at the Edmonds Center for the Arts in Washington state for April 2019
-Currently talking to other theater venues across the country
![]()
What we need for 2019 and the future:
We are so proud of what our “little” show has become and especially of how many students have seen us and said “Science is so awesome! I want to do it too.” Two years ago, this was just an idea on a piece of paper and we used every resource available to us to get it in front of as many curious minds as possible. Now we need your help to multiply that number!
Here is how we plan on using the funds raised. Every dollar counts and your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Props and Materials $2,200
Bright colorful props bring the show to life! Due to the zaniness in the performance, the props get dropped a lot, so it is important for us to maintain and replace them as necessary.
Multimedia $1,100
One of the most unique parts of the show is the in-show multimedia and projections. They create a full theatrical spectacle that captivates the attention of our young audience.
Marketing Materials $4,400
We want to put our best beaker forward with high quality prints and promotional videos.
Staffing $4,400
It takes a village to put on a one-penguin show! Stage managers, prop masters, set designers, and more! Every individual behind the scenes is essential to our process.
Public Relations $5,500
Jargie is a female, Hispanic scientist. She is a unique role model that needs to be seen in mainstream media, beyond theatre. Representation matters and we need a strong Public Relations team to help young minds everywhere be able to see themselves in STEM roles.
Conferences $16,500
Just like trade shows are needed for physical products, we need to be at conferences to sell this show and get the attention of more theater venues across the country. Just to name a few of the conferences we need to attend: Western Arts Alliance, Arts Midwest, International Performing Arts for Youth, Association of Performing Arts Professionals
Travel/Accommodations $4,400
We have to go where producers are and can see our show; unfortunately that is not always in Southern California.
![]()
Other ways to help
Share, share, share! Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, everyone about our goal and help us spread the word. We really depend on your help.
Link to this page: https://igg.me/at/JargieNational
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Jargiethesciencegirl
Meet the team that makes it all happen
Phantom Projects Theatre Group enters their 21st year of producing and presenting live theatrical events geared towards children and teens, through a combination of literature-based works, message-based dramas, and family entertainment. For the past 18 years, the troupe has been a resident group at the 1,300-seat La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts where they present a 6-show season. Each year, they also travel to nearly 50 Southern California schools with shows about bullying, racism, prejudice and tolerance.
Jocelyn Argueta (Co-Creator, Writer, Performer) is a quirky biochemist eager to share her love for science, theatre, oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, and the color pink. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Irvine and has taken an active role in Neurobiology research focusing on neurodegeneration and aging diseases. Her work in Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome cell characterization was recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. She worked in the private sector, researching allergy diagnostics, with a patent pending in chemistry customization, after which she discovered her passion for arts education as a K-8 science instructor at a private academy.
Steve Cisneros (Co-Creator, Director, Founder of Phantom Projects) created Phantom Projects Theatre Group in 1997 at the age of 17, out of his parents’ 2-car garage. Overseeing the daily operations for the past 21 years, the troupe has been featured by and written about in Forbes, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, Washington Post, LA Times, and in publications from nearly 40 states around the United States. With a background in the performing arts, Cisneros has worked for Nederlander, South Coast Repertory, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, La Mirada Theatre and many more. He’s directed over 50 productions and produced over 100. In 2017, for his work in using theatre as a teaching tool for at-risk youth, Cisneros was recognized with the Ambassador of Peace Award from the Orange County Violence Prevention Coalition. Other honorees included a Judge, and a police officer, proving the power of theatre and the impact on young minds.
![]()
Thank you for your support, scientists! Remember to always Stay Curious!