About Me
Well Howdy! My name is Jessie Paxton (She/They) and I am a multidisciplinary theatre artist from the Greater Kansas City* area. I hold a B.A. in Theatre as well as a Certification in the Adler Technique from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and am currently furthering my education, studying to recieve my Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Central Missouri. I began acting in 2014 as many kids do, a production put on by my high school... or atleast, my homeschool group. Since then, I have worked backstage, on stage, and in front of the stage. A well rounded education has helped me become a well rounded actor, technician, educator, and advocate.
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Jessie Paxton: Independent Theatre Artist
Passionate Storyteller
Stella Adler once said that life beats down and crushes the soul, but art reminds you that you have a soul. I carry that quote with me into every role and every story I portray. Acting is both a way of communicating morals and messages to an audience, yet also a form of catharsis for the actor themselves. My passion for storytelling, for acting, has only grown since my first steps on stage in 2014. Whether the message of the story is to simply let loose and have a little fun; or to more seriously take charge in bringing change to the community, I pride myself in putting my everything into every story.
Interdisciplinary
As an actor from a rural area, I learned the true meaning of interdisciplinary as most times, actors pulled double (or even triple) duty with design, tech, or education. I may not be a triple threat (though I can learn choreography when allowed time), but I am a triple artist; Actor, Designer, and Educator. Working all sides of the theatre, from tech and design, to management and education, as well as acting and singing have aided me in being a well-rounded theatre artist.
Collaborative and Creative
I am a collaborative and creative performer who loves to work with others to create meaningful art. My first project as a dramaturg was a world premeir play at my alma mater, followed by Bertolt Brecht's The Exception and The Rule. These projects helped shape my craving to create new works, but to collaborate in making art that makes people think. I thoroughly agree with Brecht's statement that the theatre is a teaching place. I hope to create meaningful art with you sometime soon!