We recently connected with Jacquelyn Ritz and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jacquelyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I both do act and teach acting. It gives me a greater understanding of what an artist really needs to thrive. And that need is very individual, so it must come from their own sense of creativity. I hope I empower them to discover the kind of artist they want to be and how to tell that story.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was invited to speak to you today, because one of my students, Aulio Ivan, suggested I meet with you.

When I moved to San Diego over 10 years ago, I was looking for an acting class for myself. I started asking around. I had been a professional actor in Chicago for many years, and I knew that I needed to get into class and meet people in this industry in this specific town, and get a real sense of what the climate was here. The only acting class that was available for stage actors was taught by a wonderful fellow, but he lived in LA and came down to do nine week sessions a couple of times a year. I took his classes and they were great, but I found I wasn’t networking like I wanted to be doing. his class focused on acting.

I realized that I wanted to create a class that would focus on making it in the professional world; included things like business savvy, interviews, how to audition, and, most importantly how to make the most of your acting.

I have my MFA in Acting from the Asolo Conservatory. I have been coaching students and friends for a long time. It occurred to me after acting for as long as I had, and of course, directing, that I just might have everything within me that I need to create this class.

So i did, I started my own class. I wanted people to understand the town where they were working and I wanted them to meet people that they wanted to continue to work with. That’s one of my main tenets, “Find your people“. Artists must find a community that will support them and celebrate with them.

My career is a three-in-one. I act, I direct, and I teach. Each part informs the other two. It makes me understand perspectives that can be really enlightening for my students. and honestly, it’s really informative for me as well.

I find it incredibly fulfilling to help someone find their potential; to tap into their own individuality, creativity and passion. I had someone ask me, “What do you do when you have a student who is no good?“ I just don’t believe that. I believe there’s where you start, and where you finish. If you haven’t found your place, it just means you have more work to do. And that’s your choice. Each of us has great potential. We all have an incredibly deep, emotional life. I help people explore that, and put that creativity and depth into their acting.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that there is a right and wrong way of doing things.

There is only potential.

As artists we are full of untapped potential. I like to use improv to remove limits we put on ourselves. The first rule of Improv is YES AND. I love watching my students embrace this in their work and enjoy the joy it brings to their lives.

It’s a constant reminder that if I focus on what is possible, I grow exponentially.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think the fact that my students can come and see me act on stage – last year I was in Lempicka at the La Jolla Playhouse and then played the title role in North Coast Repertory’s Annabella in July; or they can come and see productions I direct – this spring I directed, Lost in Yonkers at Scripps Ranch Theatre – well, that certainly helps put the word out.

Plus, I think they talk to each other. An actor will ask someone. Hey, how did you book that job, and a student will reply I took this showcase class with Jacquelyn Ritz. The actors tell me that I inspire them. I know they inspire me.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.JacquelynRitz.Biz.com
• Instagram: @JackieRitz
• Linkedin: Jackie Ritz

Image Credits
Headshot by Rich Soublet Set with Lighting by Mashun Tucker Jacquelyn in Theatre by Tori Waner