Before he was writing for one of the most iconic live entertainment brands in the world, Jordan Gershowitz was a kid in South Jersey staging a one-act play about the trial of Benedict Arnold.
Born in New Brunswick and raised in Westampton, Gershowitz credits New Jersey with shaping his creativity. In middle school, he wrote and directed his first production, complete with improvised effects and a one-night performance, and by eighth grade, he was student director.
High school brought a new stage. Gershowitz performed in a punk band that toured New Jersey, playing venues like The Stone Pony and sharing bills with the Plain White T’s and a rising Justin Bieber in 2009. The group was later nominated for a VMA for Best Breakout Artist.
“That really increased my love for live performance and storytelling,” Gershowitz says.
Building a Career in Iconic Entertainment
After college, Gershowitz transitioned from performing to writing, carving out a career in children’s and family entertainment. He has earned two Emmy nominations and worked on major properties including “Tom and Jerry,” “Peanuts,” “Thomas the Tank Engine” and “Monster High.” He also serves as a creator and head writer on Netflix’s animated “Hot Wheels Let's Race” series.
Live productions became a natural extension of that work. Gershowitz developed shows for Disney on Ice and wrote a “Sesame Street Live: Make Your Magic” stage production. Most recently, he wrote the 148th edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, helping revive one of entertainment’s most iconic brands.
The modern circus reflects changing audience expectations, focusing on storytelling and spectacle without animal acts. For Gershowitz, seeing it performed at venues like Newark’s Prudential Center is a full-circle moment.
“It’s cool to know something I helped bring to life is now in an arena I grew up going to,” he says.
Leading the Next Chapter
Now based in Los Angeles, Gershowitz is stepping into his first showrunner role, focused on building momentum and continuing to grow.
As AI advances, Gershowitz stresses the irreplaceable value of human creativity—technology can help, but instinct and emotion drive storytelling.
He sees his success as an extension of New Jersey, with a consistent focus on performance, connection, and craft.
For this Jersey-born creative, big stages can start in small towns.
For more information visit jordangershowitz.com.
Jordan Gershowitz
Westampton native and two-time Emmy-nominated writer, Gershowitz has shaped iconic brands including Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends and Ringling Bros. Now based in Los Angeles, he serves as a showrunner and creative producer, blending nostalgia and reinvention across television, publishing and arena-scale live entertainment.