Want to bring Jean to your conference, association event, theater company or university? Here is a short-list of Jean’s workshops, keynote talks and shows. Jean will customize her presentation to fit your group’s unique needs.
Keynote Topics
Sexual Esteem: Five Ways To Claim It, Build It and Celebrate It
Sexual esteem can be defined as “confidence in the worth of one’s sexuality.” There are numerous influences that can compromise the sexual esteem of an individual including being the member of a sexual minority, religious influences, genital shaming during childhood and adolescence or traumatic sexual experiences. Luckily there are just as many interventions that can help claim, build and celebrate sexual esteem. In this session, we’ll identify five tools to enhance sexual esteem accompanied by colorful visual aids, memorable stories, a group discussion and a Q&A to finish.
Sexual Health for Women: Keeping Fit in Mind, Body and Spirit
Sexual wellness is an often forgotten aspect of whole body health. Whether a woman is partnered or solo, she can boost her sexual fitness in mind, body and spirit. In this informative and eye-opening talk, we discuss the surprising “forgotten” anatomy of the vulva, discover tools to increase sexual esteem and explore the connection between sexuality and spirituality. Get ready to improve your sexual fitness!
Three Major Traps Women Fall Into That Keep Them Sexually Dissatisfied
Women who feel disconnected to their bodies, disappointed in their lack of orgasms, bored by their sexual routines or worried that they’ll never reach their sexual potential are not alone. There are three major traps that women fall into that separate them from their pleasure. In this empowering talk, we inspire ourselves to make new choices that support, affirm and celebrate female sexuality.
Three Mistakes People Make Every Day That Keep Them Starved for Touch (and How to Stop)
Touch deprivation is linked to measurable increases in stress, sleep problems, a compromised immune system and cardiovascular disease. This means that touch is a powerful weapon in the arsenal for good health. In this affirming talk, we’ll explore why this issue is at near epidemic levels in our country and what each of us can do to take care of our needs for Vitamin T.
Finding the Courage to Live Your Most Authentic Life
In this inspiring talk, Jean gives participants a first-hand glimpse into the complex experience of coming out as her bold, unique self. The group will be challenged to look at their own lives to bravely identify their own truths and live from their deepest authenticity.
Three Dangerous Blunders Women Curious About S&M Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Several years ago Jean felt like Alice in Wonderland slipping into a strange place – a new dimension where she didn’t know the rules. She could have gotten into some serious trouble. Playing with BDSM (that’s what the insiders call it) is edgy and exciting. In this important talk, we’ll explore how women can have sexual adventure while keeping safe and sound.
Workshops
Kinky Curious: A Workshop of Discovery and Discussion
Ready for an enticing event with an open-minded group? Interested in talking about sex in a safe and welcoming environment? Want to see a portion of the sexy play, Coming Out Kinky? It’s going to be an educational and fun session. We’ll begin with an Opening Circle to create a safe, comfortable environment to talk about sex. Next, Jean will perform a sizzling excerpt of her show about erotic exploration and empowerment – Coming Out Kinky! We’ll share impressions and insights with a Q&A. Then we’ll finish our time together with the The Sexual Bucket List Game – A fun way to discover avenues of kinky curiosity.
Welcome to S&M: A Gentle Introduction to Safe, Sane and Consensual Erotic Exploration
S&M is one of the most misunderstood styles of sexual expression; this class provides a beginner’s introduction from an experienced teacher in a safe and fun learning environment. Participants will be introduced to bondage, discipline, submission, sadism and masochism with an emphasis on the philosophy of “safe, sane and consensual.” There will be discussions, demonstrations and even opportunities to volunteer and participate. It’s an unforgettable workshop that will cover a lot of ground.
The Cherished Goddess: A Woman’s Workshop for Healing, Feeling and Fun
In this powerful workshop for women, we’ll explore our experiences in being female. We will share stories and laugh and feel together. We’ll do a healing ritual where we’ll symbolically release any negativity or shame held about our beautiful bodies. We’ll look at pictures of women’s vaginas from all over the world to appreciate the uniqueness and diversity we share. Then we’ll get out some paper and markers and create some vaginal art – just for fun.
Cuddle Sanctuary: A Workshop for Healthy Touch and Communication
Touch is vital to mental, physical, and emotional health; it heals, invigorates, creates connection, and builds community. The Cuddle Sanctuary workshop is a guided experience that includes a welcome circle, breath-work, gentle movement, communication exercises and cuddle etiquette. The event culminates in a voluntary “cuddle lab.” Touch is always consensual and never a requirement to participate. Benefits can include decreased blood pressure, a sense of well-being, increased sense of community, boost in empathy and compassion and deeper sleep.
Show
Coming Out Kinky – A Grown Up Comedy
Selected One of The Top Ten Shows in Los Angeles
“What makes her stories come alive is Franzblau’s ability to inhabit each of the characters so completely that you really will feel there is more than just one person on the stage.” Shari Barrett, BroadwayWorld.com
This comedy follows one adventurous woman’s curious exploration of her sexuality. When she was a little girl, Jean Franzblau believed that sex must be bad and made the impossible commitment to never be sexual. The show tracks her unusual path of exploration as she discovers that sex is a natural and wonderful part of the human experience. Franzblau portrays some twenty characters in this adventure story for curious and open-minded adults to enjoy.
What does the show’s title mean?
The title of the show was inspired by a coming out conversation Jean had with her mom.
Talking to your Mom about sex can be dicey.
What Does “Sex-Positive” Mean?
Sex-Positive is the philosophy that sexuality is a natural, healthy and essential part of life. It also advocates the idea that pleasure is good and all sexual orientations and relationship styles are accepted and supported.
Sex-positive is a philosophy of sexuality that emphasizes safety, mutual respect, communication and consent. It also acknowledges and celebrates sexual diversity – the idea that there are many, many ways to express sexuality.
A portion of the proceeds from Coming Out Kinky will be donated to the new non-profit organization, Sex-Positive World.
Tell me more about the creative process
It takes a combination of skills and talents to create a solid, entertaining and worthwhile solo show – which is why Jean brought Karen Aschenbach on board. Karen is a director and solo show development coach with an eagle eye for story structure.
For you English majors, you can count on a three-part structure, dramatic tension, character development and a solid resolution. For those who don’t care to look under the literary hood, you’ll just know it’s a hell of a good, fast paced story that’s engaging and emotionally satisfying.
About the Team
Jean and Karen have collaborated over eighteen months and successfully presented the show’s preview performance to a sold out audience. Here’s more about Karen:
Karen Aschenbach (Director, Development Coach) is active on stage and screen as a writer, director, actor and producer from East Coast to West. Her directorial background includes plays (including Mrs. Cage, Critics Choice – Los Angeles Times), short films and independent features seen on television and in festivals from Japan to Croatia and throughout the U.S. Her solo show, Ripe, which she developed with Wendy Hammers, made its Hollywood debut at the Greenway Court Theatre and began a national tour this year. Karen is a creative coach, taking projects from the inception to full-fledged production. She works with storytellers, essayists, novelists, screenwriters, playwrights, actors and solo performance artists. Karen’s website
Is Coming Out Kinky appropriate for young adults?
Audience members from the preview performance have said, “I want my daughter to see this.” Coming Out Kinky has female empowering, sex-positive messages including learning to make good choices and trusting the wisdom of one’s own body. Young women will recognize themselves as Jean finds solid footing across the uneven terrain of sexual experimentation and expression. The show is certainly Rated R – which is why we call it “a grown up story.”