We recently connected with Jaren Hampton and have shared our conversation below.

Jaren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I took to date, was to begin producing and putting on my own stage plays. Prior to the first one I had written, I had acted in several, but never did my own. I had studied the blueprint laid out by Tyler Perry, and a couple of my peers producing plays locally as well (s/o Sam Houston & Thomas Mac). This led me to believe that I, to could put on my own stage play. I had money saved up, and a script I had spent all summer writing, but no idea what to do next. I begin with asking other actors I had worked with in the past if they would like to be involved. Once I got the cast together, I begin calling around to local theaters to get an estimate of their pricing, and what all would be involved, and to secure dates. We began practicing for the show once that was secured, and then I began the promotion aspect. My goal was to prove to myself that I could do this. If I could only get family and friends to show up and support, that would have been considered a win in my eyes. I had no plans to continue after this first one was complete, I just wanted to knock something off of my bucket list. To my surprise, the very first play SOLD OUT. It got to a point that we had to turn people away at the door. That feeling will forever be unmatched and is my fuel to go forward knowing that anything is possible. 8 plays later and I’m still going strong thanks to my loyal and dedicated supporters.

Jaren, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have wanted to be an actor since the age of 5 years old. I have always had a passion for acting and the dedication and commitment it takes to portray a character. I didn’t get to begin my acting journey until the age of 15 when I was in my high school play “Curtain Going Up.” Participating in this play let me know that my passion was real. The feeling I got from practicing and acting was amazing, and something that I wanted more of. I did other plays and variety shows throughout high school, but ended up taking a break from acting until I got to college. While attending MTSU, more acting opportunities started to become available. I had the chance to act in more stage plays, short films, feature films, and be an extra in Hollywood Blockbuster films as well. I was able to be introduced to more and more people who shared a similar passion, and had the chance to work with a lot of them in some capacity. After acting in more stage plays, I eventually begin to write my own. I initially only intended on doing this as a one off to see what it was like, but with the success of it, the opportunity and demand for more shows became available. In 2016 I was awarded with the Young Entrepreneurs award for outstanding work in film, stage and journalism by the National Black Police Association. In 2019, I took my play “The Wedding” to Chicago, where it won 1st place in the “Taste of Theater” competition. Now 8 plays later, I have my own Production company entitled “Jaren J. Hampton Productions,” which produces my stage plays and will soon be adding other content as well.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

To me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to take a thought from my mind and make it a reality, by bringing it to stage or film. I enjoy being able to create relatable topics that create talking points amongst society. I like being able to blend reality with comedy and compelling story telling to an audience of people that appreciate and enjoy it. I love being able to employ other like minded artist and help them to be able to participate in something we share a passion in. I love the freedom in writing and performing and the art of story telling. I love the idea of getting paid for something you enjoy doing and not something you have to do. I believe that art imitates life, so a lot of times stories are told that people have been through or can relate to in some aspect. Often times people have to be quiet or reserved about certain topics that they have an opinion about, but as an artist/creative, I don’t. That is the true “freedom of speech” in my eyes. One of the most enjoyable aspects of all of it is being able to tell a story from multiple sides/angles. Many times we get wrapped up in one side of the story without even considering the other side. Being an artist helps you to be able to tell the story from multiple sides, and being a creative helps you to look at and consider the different viewpoints to each side. I respect everyone in this field because although we enjoy it, it is not “easy” but does allow us to be free in a sense.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I do think artist of all forms are getting more exposure now than ever. People are also finding a way to make a full time living doing so, which is my goal as well. The best thing I think as a society that we can continue to do is support. Go to as many events as possible, and even if you can’t attend the event, share it, or let a friend or family member know about it. Word of mouth is always free! Also, please don’t ask for discounts. Sometimes the artist or entrepreneur needs all the funds they can get to continue to put out products, or put on successful events, so be mindful of that. If you have criticism, give it constructively, in a sense to help the artist/creative out, not negatively or derogatively. If you enjoy the product/event, give them a S/O so that the next person will know about it so that their fanbase can continue to grow. I have been blessed enough to be the recipient of all of these great things, when done properly and I have seen how much it has helped my business to grow, so I try to sow that into others as well, so that the same can happen to them. It keeps the circle going, and keeps the creative arts thriving.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jarenthegreat
• Facebook: Jaren J. Hampton
• Twitter: @jarenthegreat
• Other: Business Facebook is Jaren J. Hampton Productions