A Lil' Bit About Jessica

Hi There!

Welcome to my page!  I’d like to tell you a lil’ bit of background information about me in my profession as an Event Coordinator and Producer.  Enjoy!

I first got my feet wet working as a Production Assistant in film and television in New York City.  With this experience, I got a taste for a variety of positions on a production crew.  Most notably, I worked on American Idol and a Steve Buscemi film, with one of my idols, Vikki Farrell, the costume designer for my favorite series, Strangers With Candy.

As the Personal Assistant to Filmmaker Leah Meyerhoff, I learned how to run a small independent company, promote films in the festival circuit, and gained working experience in all stages of film production from the drawing room to the release party.  The Team Queen Music Video Release Party was my very first event.  It took place at one of the hottest spots in Brooklyn, involving local celebrities and a huge media buzz.  As the venue swelled with laughter, dancing, and merriment, I knew in that moment that I had discovered what I wanted to do with my career, produce events.

I began working as a professional Toy Demonstrator and Children’s Entertainer and  assisting in party planning at FAO Schwarz.  The majority of events at FAO were private Birthday Parties.  With experience working with children and parents, I created an independent Children’s Birthday Party Entertainment Company.  I provided affordable party planning and original musical entertainment for clients in their homes.  Much of this experience has assisted me today, both as a Teaching Artist with Theatre Action Project and an Artist Manager for Children’s Entertainer, Laura Freeman and her group, The Hey Lollies.  To this day, I actively clown with both children and adults.

After graduating with a degree in Theater and Film, I founded my own theater and production company in Brooklyn, NY.  In partnership with local celebrity entertainment, artists, and venues, I created fundraisers to produce plays, as well as benefits for women’s causes.  I also assisted local non-profits at an ad-hoc status with PR, sponsorships, and event management for benefits and festivals.  With this experience, I developed the ability to work independently, in part of a collective group effort.

I also began working pre-production for Burning Man the year I graduated college.  I have assisted the Volunteer Coordinator at Center Camp Cafe for the past four years.  My ability to manage a large crew of volunteers is directly connected to my work on playa.  I most recently put these skills to good practice as the Volunteer Coordinator and Planning Committee Member for the very first HONK! TX festival, this March.  In this position, I realized my personal strengths as an organizer.  I have the foresight to prepare a large-scale event involving volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and overall problem solving.

Before my move to Austin, I took some time to travel and stage manage.  I went to Europe with Brooklyn’s Hungry March Band and worked with independent theater production companies.  The role of Band/Stage Manager is a great test for managing large groups of people.  These roles have given me the greatest understanding for accountability in stressful and demanding situations.

In my move to Austin, I took the position of Managing Director at The VORTEX.  In addition to managing the venue, I produced my own events; The Feary Masque Ball, The Father’s Day Family Carnival, and the recurring event, CircX VorteX: FREE Circus 4 the People.  In partnership with local artists and performers, I created spectacular events, which showcased local talent.  My productions were received very well by the local community and media.  Fox 7 News approached me about doing a special report and interview with me, covering my events and the Sky Candy Aerial Collective, of which I am a Founding Member.  I have since gone on to independently produce artistic performance events with music and entertainment with my own company, Who Said Vaudeville Was Dead? Entertainment & Events.  I am currently producing a monthly Variety Show and special events with the local artists; most currently: Datri Bean’s Ruby CD Release Party with Minor Mishap Marching Band at Swan Dive and The Everything’s Better in Drag Show with Luna Tart.

Laura Freeman is an award-winning Children’s Entertainer with her group, The Hey Lollies, in addition to her bawdy cabaret character, Luna Tart.  I act as Laura’s Manager for both projects.  I control all social media outlets, PR, bookings, marketing, and event planning.  I work one on one with Laura on a weekly basis.  She will gladly speak with you, as a current reference.

My latest venture is a project called, Mi Casa Su Arte.  In partnership with a local Art Curator, I am working with clients to provide private art galleries  in the comfort of their own homes.  In addition to art by local artists, clients can choose to have a cocktail party, entertainment, and even a private chef at their parties.  I handle all invitations with the client, the company’s public profile, and recruit local artists.  This venture allows me to work one on one with clients to provide the perfect personalized event, while also creating the space and incentive for young local artists to sell their artwork.

If you have a special event that you would like me to produce specially for you, please be in touch.  Thanks for reading!  And I hope to see you at one of my events soon.