We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Lausell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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?

So, after years of working “muggle” jobs I decided to take the risk and pursue theater! My son was about 6 years old and I was a young mom and I got alot of push back from people, but my support system was stronger and I made the move! I started with going back to school to get my Associates in Theater Arts. This alone was a chance, will I be able to do school work? Attend class? All while still working to put food on the table. I went back when a majority of classes had gone remote so I was able to make it work! My senior semester I was the lead in the play and in alot of more demanding classes and took the risk of stopping working. I had the privilege of living with my mom at the time and some money from financial aid and was able to get through 3 months! I graduated with a 3.97 and a job offer for The Players Theater! I house managed there and now I’m like a Renaissance woman of the theater! I have house managed, ran the boards, subbed for techs, worked the office and even understudied a role! I then got a job offer to go back and Stage Manage at my Alma Mater, where I have been working the last two semesters! I owe alot of this to my former professor and current friend Emma Roupp. Networking is 90% of this industry and through these opportunities I have met some close artists and business partners and we have come together to create Screwdriver Studio, a multi faceted production company (another risk). We have put up various shows and shot films, all incredibly successful so far. I now make my entire living off of my art on that one risk of taking the deep dive into the creative field! I fully have my sights on developing this further and showing my son (who comes with me to many of my jobs!) that if you work hard enough and take the risks you need to take they will pay off!

Jessica , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Piggybacking off of my last answer! I am first and foremost an actress. I also sing and dance, and more recently, produce! I also stage manage for a more sustainable job! I have ran the boards both lighting and sound once or twice as well. There isn’t a single part of the theater that isn’t alluring to me and I’ve made it my mission to touch everything once! I aspire to set design in the future!

Overall, however my business Screwdriver Studio is owned by myself and my partners, Jacob de Guzman Lawson and Max Johnsson. We produce short films and plays. Our projects are usually very nuanced and really do a wonderful job of allowing the art to invade your senses! Each piece stands alone but also holds the essence that is Screwdriver. We do mostly Shakespeare and I am proud to say I think we have found a way back to Shakespeare that has a fresh eye and allows for him to spark the interest of a modern audience while withholding the authenitcity of classical viewers! As we grow we also plan on incorporating workshops and musicals as well!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe that non creative will never understand the exchange of passion for money. By that I mean, I have chosen to work for my passion and work hard but I am not compensated extraordinarily financially. I make a comfortable living but I am aware there is a good chance I will never make an insane amount of money. However, I would not trade it for a minute! The feeling of fulfillment in going from one theater to another and working with one actor and another and constantly learning, and being inspired is worth so much. So as long as I can live and eat and buy special treats here and there I am satiated!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

For me personally I have two. One, is to allow Moms to have more of a presence in the theater world. It’s almost impossible to be a part of a company when you can’t bring your child to rehearse! You need to be available at the drop of a dime and it’s just not possible for everyone! I’d like for my company to start to open up the opportunity and narrative that mom’s can also have a chance to do theater! In the same vein I’d also like to get rid of “type” casting. I mean I am well aware that it’s not 100% possible but i would like to veer as far away from that as I, and my company, possibly can! Are you the best actor for the role? Wonderful, that’s all I need.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jessicalausell
• Facebook: Jessica Marie Jude
• Youtube: Jessica Lausell

Image Credits
Jacob de Guzman Lawson