Jessica Wu: Open Access Paths to Success

Actors Equity is opening its doors. I think this is one of the most exciting things that’s happening in my almost two decades as a Union member. It shifts the way people can become members. . . It is now OUR choice to become a member and that’s incredible.

Jessica Wu is an award-winning NYC-based playwright, director, songwriter, educator, and actor. Performance credits include the Broadway revivals of A Chorus Line and Miss Saigon, and she is the writer of numerous theatrical works including several full-length musicals – YOU, ME, I, WE (O’Neill Conference Semi-Finalist, Live & In Color Finalist, Winner of NAAP’s Discover New Musicals), and Poupelle of Chimney Town (debuting in Tokyo, Fall 2021; NYC, Summer 2022). In addition to her writing, Jessica is an Adjunct Theatre Professor at American University in Washington DC, and a Lyricist-Mentor with the Harvard-Radcliffe G&S Players. After spending several years running a Times-Sq non-profit theatre as Associate Artistic Director, Jessica is now is the owner/operator of her own consulting and development company Inspirate Creative. 

More than writing, directing, dancing, or producing my own projects – I love helping other creatives find their voice. 

In these past 2 decades, I’ve worked with a lot of creative people, on a lot of creative endeavors, in a lot of different stages of creative development. I’ve witnessed some incredible successes, but I’ve also seen innovative concepts fail to launch and brilliant ideas buried in mundane works.

I can 100% say: the most successful artists I’ve met are those who are truest to their own voice and the story they have to tell. 

While this may seem simple to the non-artist – believe me, I know from first-hand experience how impossible it can be with hundreds of other people’s influences, opinions and demands (not to mention your own hyperactive ideas and intense self-doubt) swirling around you. 

And, even though it is more-than-often single-minded, lonely work – I sincerely believe you shouldn’t have to be on that creative journey alone. 

That’s where I come in.

Through open-hearted collaboration, we can work together to help you and your work soar. 

I’m here to amplify your creativity and I can’t wait to connect with you.

Everything is storytelling and you are the storyteller. Your story and how you tell it has no choice but to be unique.

But I’ve worked with too many directors, producers, dramaturgs, and so-called ‘artist-mentors’ whose version of guidance is to impose their ideas, their ego, upon your work. 

So, I’m here to help you find your voice. Not their voice. Not my voice.

Your voice. 

Open Access  · Actors’ Equity Association (actorsequity.org)

As actor and delegate Jessica Wu (she/her) said, “To open up access to, especially, these communities who have been historically excluded from our industry through systemic racism, opening up that one pathway to be able to be seen, is a big step. It does not do anything to make more jobs, specifically for BIPOC artists. But it opens the door.”

#OpenAccessEquity #AsianActor #AEA #JessicaWu #BaayorkLee #Actor #FirstOnlineWithFran #Arts Advocacy

FB/Instagram: @woohoojwu

Testimonial #35: Alice Christy, Voice Building/Piano/Speech & Acting Teacher

This true story is an example of how art education and passion for your dreams can lead to overcoming personal challenges and create a productive happy life.

How has your life been indelibly touched by a teacher who utilized the arts for whatever reason and acknowledge how they were instrumental in breaking the mold to allow you to become who you are today?

My daughter and I were literally kept in school by their respective art programs. The dance program at Cardoza High School, in Bayside, NY, was instrumental in keeping my daughter interested in “hitting the books”. She was very well known in the school because of her involvement in the school’s dance recitals and musicals. Today, she teaches dance at the Huntington Y on Long Island.

I was always interested in singing and throughout my school years was involved with the school choirs. At Hollywood High School, in LA, I was the Drill Captain for the marching unit, that “strutted its stuff” at all the football games, and marched in the Santa Claus Lane parade down Sunset Boulevard during the Christmas holidays. I was a member of the choirs, and participated in all the school musicals as well as attending choir competitions. All this kept me in school and out of trouble. I continued this path at Marymount College and UCLA working with the internationally renowned choral director, Roger Wagner and became a member of MU PHI EPSILON, the music honorary society.

Because of our love and participation in the art programs in our schools, my daughter and I have been “paying it forward” to the people in our communities through our teaching and performing. Wouldn’t change a thing!

Art is the core of our souls and should be a standard part of all children’s education. I am constantly reminded, by my students, how our diminished educational budgets have let our students down. Frances McGarry’s message and presentation will encourage the future inclusion of arts programs in schools once again. Thank you, Fran, our students deserve such programs and I totally support you in your work. Just let me know how I can help.

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