Q1) What gets you out of bed in the morning (and why)?
Having my hand in the performing arts industry and wearing several different hats, there is no down time. I am always busy with the agency and with the college, as well as my own performance career, so that keeps me going. I like to stay busy. I have goals I want to accomplish, so that keeps me going.
Q2) Do you have any habits or routines you follow …and what benefit do these bring for you?
I look at my vision board every morning. I started it about 4 years ago and I feel visualising goals is a major tool. Also, coffee. Coffee is a major daily ritual!
Q3) Are there any quotes or mantras that you love &/or live by…and why?
It’s never too late, so keep reaching for the stars! (Cheesy but it really is my mantra haha)
Q4) Is there a specific skillset or personal attribute you have that you can say has contributed to your own success to date?
Drive, passion, and organisation.
Q5) Are you currently learning any new skills or working on improving anything about yourself and why?
I am always trying to take classes. The past few years everything has been online, but as an actor it’s a skill you really must keep sharp. I did recently attend an expo which had tons of classes about the industry I could attend virtually and that helped with great insight for all three jobs (agent, teacher, actor).
Q6) Looking back – can you pick out any achievement to date that you are the proudest of and why?
There are so many. I love when my clients achieve big things and book big jobs. I love seeing my students go on to achieve their goals. I love performing. Recently I filmed as a guest character on a major TV show with big name actors and a very well-known creator/director, that’s set to air this year. That to me was an ‘OMG’ moment and achievement I feel blessed to have had. The dream has always been to work and feel successful.
Q7) Again, looking back, have you experienced adversity (or faced discrimination/prejudice) in your life and how has that shaped who you are today?
As an ethnic performer and ethnic person in general, I have faced both. Back in the states, much more so. It used to feel as if we were put in a box in the industry, i.e., these are the only kind of characters you can play. But I feel we have turned a major corner and that there is so much more positive representation within the arts, film, television etc for people from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. Work in progress, but progress still.
Q8) What is one key piece of advice you would pass onto someone/ to your younger self and why? or have you ever been given a piece of advice that has served you well?
Don’t give up. If it is really something you want, you can achieve it. And don’t put a timeline on your goals. Just go with the flow and good things will happen.
Q9) Looking at the arts, are there any specific films, songs, pieces of art, plays, books or podcasts that you have enjoyed/resonate with you, that you in turn, would recommend?
The Golden Rules of Acting by Andy Nyman.
Q10) Bucket list / Travel. Can you recall your best holiday & what made it so? I.e. Is there anything/anywhere you have experienced that you highly recommend and anything/anywhere on your list you have still to do/go and visit?
I love Paris. Something about the air and the weather. I always feel relaxed there. Bucket list is Budapest, but I want to go there because they film so much there! A ‘vision board’ destination with lots of television shows linked to that bucket list destination.
Q11) Your last supper. What dish are you eating (and why?)? & who are having it with (and why)? (Other than your immediate family, can be a person dead or alive or a fictional character)
Eating snow crab and seafood with Gary Oldman. I just really look up to his talent and his skill, so would love to pick his brain. Every role he has had has been completely different and he’s such a chameleon. Also snow crab is the best thing in the world!
Q12) What is your own definition of success / Your own vision of happiness / What’s your NorthStar?
Success to me is working, staying passionate, keeping busy and accomplishing goals. Living a full life and experiencing different and new things.
Bonus Question) If I was to ask you, what you thought the meaning of life was to you? A big question I know, as it stands today – what would your answer be?
Life is about who you surround yourself with and the little moments. Little moments are the big moments in my head.
Biography:
Jennifer is an American born professional director, actress, singer, teacher and agent originally from Dallas, Texas, USA. Jennifer has a BA Hons (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Theatre with an emphasis in acting and directing from Sam Houston State University in Texas, United States. She has also trained at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London concentrating on Contemporary Drama. Jennifer has performed professionally in the United States and throughout the UK. She has worked in television, film, theatre, commercials, print and corporate film. Jennifer is currently the principal head teacher at Aberdeen College of Performing Arts, which run HND courses for acting & performance and musical theatre. As well as teaching Theatre and Acting to College aged students, Jennifer has also taught Drama to Primary and Secondary Students in public and private schools, both in the United Kingdom and the United States for over 10 years. Jennifer also runs AAPA Casting & Talent Management, which is a talent agency representing adults and children of all ages within the performing arts industry. The agency was established in 2017 and currently has 70 talented performers on the books who are based throughout the UK.