Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Purnell.
Hi Jane, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I attended a small public school in rural Virginia, played sports (soccer was my favorite), and performed in the drama club. I started drama club in the 9th grade with a small yet memorable role and closed my senior year with an Outstanding Actor Award at the VHSL State Theatre Festival (Group 1A/2A).
In high school, I dreamed of studying acting, majoring in drama, and becoming a professional actor after college. But once college began, I got cold feet and decided to major in computer science instead. Why? Because entering a competitive, low-income artistic career terrified me.
Eventually, I learned that running away from who I am wasn’t the answer. Plus, computer science made me unhappy. So I dropped my computer science degree, majored in drama, and moved to New York City right after graduation.
I’ve since been acting in films and theater in New York, and I’m grateful for where this journey has led me. There have been many moments of doubt and fear, but many moments of pride and joy, too.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say it’s been a smooth road. A hard part of my acting journey has been finding the daily strength to believe in myself. I must hold onto and believe in the qualities that make me unique in a saturated, highly competitive business. It’s tough to show up every day when the odds aren’t in your favor.
Another challenge was adjusting to city life. I grew up in a county where cows outnumber residents and there’s not a single traffic light. So, the city’s crowds and lack of personal space made me nervous. I really missed the cows.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a film and theater actor. People often ask me if they’ve seen me in anything, and my answer is usually ‘Not yet.’ I’m in the early stages of my career, so my work centers around independent short films and small stage plays.
However, if you’re a film festival enthusiast, you may have spotted me in Speed Queen 51, directed by Sarah Nocquet and starring me and Rory Culkin. The 12-minute film follows two strangers in a laundromat who realize they’ll never see each other again and decide to trade secrets.
When I’m not acting, I create in other ways, such as drawing, writing, and running my ASMR channel. Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a tingling sensation that can be triggered by specific stimuli. I record satisfying sounds and edit them together to create soothing ambiences that may trigger a listener’s ASMR. My channel is ASMR Study Hall, and you can find it on YouTube!
Any big plans?
Well, it would be pretty amazing if I could make a living off this acting thing. I’m not there yet, but I’m slowly working towards this dream. I’d love to perform for a wider audience on television, a large streaming service, or Broadway.
The road toward these goals feels very long, but I’ve packed lots of water and food for the journey. I’m lucky to have such wonderful people in my corner who support and guide me. As long as they’re still in my future, I know I’ll be just fine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/janepurnell
- Other: Manager: Ann Kelly, [email protected]
Image Credits
Yellowbellyphoto
Yiyuan Li