It’s been a while but a lot has happened

I do humbly apologize for my in frequent posts. Sometimes it’s hard to be an artist when you also have to be a functional human adult. I believe the last time I posted was September of 2024.

Here’s what’s happened since then.

In October, something happened that wasn’t even on my bingo card for the year 2024. I received a nomination for the Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC) award for Best Adapted/Original Script for #Cinderella. Not only that, but The Possession (a show I performed in) was also nominated for drama acting awards for most of my cast mates, best director drama, best production drama, fight choreography, and best adapted/original script. For the uninitiated, the ATAC awards are much like the Tony awards for the city of San Antonio. So throughout that month was stressful not only thinking of what dress to wear, but also whether I should write down something to say if I were to win in my category. Which is one of my nightmares come to life. It's ironic that an actor is frightened of public speaking and that's a whole other blog entry altogether.

In November I had a first. For the first time I was an understudy for a show, a Christmas show called The Perfect Gift. The character is one I never thought I'd get to play. A small but really important to the story-kind of like Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs, he was on screen for less than twenty minutes who steals the show, and wins the Oscar. Spoiler alert, I never got to go on as the character. There was never even an understudy night performance. But that's one to add to the bucket list.

That very same month was the ATAC awards. In hindsight, I wish I had gone with a group. I say that for two reasons. One, to have people by my side cheering me on if I won or cheer me up if I lost. Two, I don't have to be the designated driver… just kidding. Sadly, I did not win the award. Which in itself is also a huge relief because as previously mentioned, due to my anxiety I forgot to write an acceptance speech. Again, I know, I see the irony. The upside, The Possession won for Best Adapted/ Original script (which I’m not mad for losing to this show for as an actor it was a well written script) as well as Best Fight Choreography.

Moving on, throughout the first half of 2025, I was in director mode. I returned to the director's chair with a comedy called Thirteen Roses. The synopsis: A couple, who can’t afford a wedding decide to hold multiple weddings (thirteen to be specific) in the hopes of making a profit from the admission to their weddings. Throughout the show it’s more or less a love story. Whether it’s young love, in the case of the protagonists, love lost and found again through the supporting characters, and love lasting even after death with the parents of the bride. At the end of the show love more or less perseveres.

This entire process of directing a show can take a lot out of you, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Through it all, the playwright (who submitted a funny script that also made you believe in love), the cast (who always made me laugh at each rehearsal and performances), the crew (who help keep the show running from behind the curtains), and the Overtime Theater all came together in a wonderful show that may not win awards, but will have you leave the theatre smiling. Also, shout out to my friend Shawn Kjos for helping me put together the sparkly Evel Knievel suit I had in my head after reading the script. Another shout out should be given to my sister-in-law who helped me out in getting all the floral decorations and putting together a beautiful bouquet for the thirteenth weddings.

Once the show opened, I immediately was back on the stage, as an ensemble member in a historical drama which I’ve been told should be made into a movie. The Battle of Bamber Bridge. I’m a history buff, but I never knew about this battle, and yes, it’s based on a real story. Bamber Bridge is a real town in England; specifically in Lancashire. The show is about a racial incident concerning African American soldiers stationed overseas in World War II and the white Military Police. All of it took place at a pub called the Ye Olde Hobb Inn, which is still in operation at the time of writing. I was fortunate to portray a pub regular, who sings Danny Boy at a pivotal moment in the show. Each night, there is never a dry eye in the audience, and I’m lucky to be apart of this surprisingly relevant show.

The company of The Battle of Bamber Bridge performing “Kiss Me Goodnight, Sgt. Major.” I’m in the far right with a pint.

The last show that I was apart of through the summer of 2025, immediately after Bamber Bridge, is an original piece written by my good friend Georgie Lee, Calling. This play is about a spoken word poet who has to take a job at a call center in order to earn enough money to go to a poetry slam. My role in this? The Human Resources Robot, or HR Robot. I was able to record my lines and have them play out through a Bluetooth speaker through my iPad. I was there to assist in moving the set pieces (including the speaker set up), and help some of my cast mates with quick changes. This show does hit a little close to home, for I’m also a working artist with a full-time job outside of the arts. I swear, there were times where I had asked Georgie if they were a mind reader, because the job I work in is in a similar field and some of the lines were something I would hear almost on a daily basis.

They swear that it’s just a coinsidence.

Yes, I record my lines in a closet.

So where does that leave me? Right now I'm still auditioning, writing, and doing what I can to keep myself busy until I get that call... Or email in this case. Again, I’m sorry for the long wait. I’ll try to keep posting. Until next time.

Summer of shows

In case you haven't been following my theatrical adventures(AKA my social media posts) Evita has officially opened! The week leading up to opening has been hectic if not stressful. However at the end of the day it is worth the lack of sleep, sore feet and sweating through our costumes… at least that's how it is from my perspective.

The next gig I have is a personal favorite and it sucks that we’re doing it for one weekend. It’s Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits. I wish I could say that I’m reprising the roles I played previously but alas, I’m only reprising three roles/songs. A new role/song that I’m excited about is the late Carol Channing (original star of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Hello Dolly!). If you’re not familiar with her work, then you might have seen the one episode of Family Guy where she beats Mike Tyson in a celebrity boxing fight, the same fight Brian loses the bet with Stewie. Sorry for getting off topic but what I’m trying to say is that she has a distinct voice, and I have been working on it.

Other than that I’m currently awaiting the results of video auditions I’ve submitted as well as what some of the theater’s upcoming seasons will be. once I know something I’ll definitely post it.

- Jessica

Life as a playwright

Hi again.

In case you missed the playwright page on this site, I am also a playwright and as I’m writing this post I had finished working on something new which I’m hoping it’ll be up in 2025. All I can say is that it’s an adaptation and it takes place during Christmas. If it ever get’s produced I’ll definitely post about it. Now that I’ve finished that adaptation, I can work on an original idea that I’ve had kicking around in my brain.

Anyway, I’m learning more and more about myself as a writer the more I continue to work on my next script. I try to give myself a deadline so I could finish the project within a timely manner. Another thing I’ve learned, through a friend of mine (who is a copyright lawyer) is that once you get the copyright, make sure that it expires seventy years after your death in your will. I guess if you have a friend who’s a lawyer, pay attention to their advice. It may save your butt one day.

I do like writing, I really do, but the one thing I do not love about it is the occasional writer's block. I believe that I had this idea for about two years (maybe one year ) I don't remember but I have a basic outline and other basics when writing a script. I have even given myself a deadline for next year to finish it. Right now I'm just hoping that writer's block doesn't get me.

Until next time,

Jessica

First few weeks of Evita rehearsal

Hello, as the title suggests I’ve survived the first few weeks of Evita rehearsals. 🤗

For those that don’t know, usually the first week or so of rehearsals are reserved to go over the music. Right now as I’m writing I feel like my throat throbbing. Which may have been my own fault because I can’t help but sing the high notes. Now you’re probably wondering how high could it be? Well, I volunteered to sing a D6 at the end of the song “And The Money Kept Rolling In.” One may call it being cocky, but I know I can do it. I’m just hoping that it doesn’t come back to bite me in the butt.

Right, now we’re currently less than two weeks until we open, and I can’t wait for audiences to see this remarkable story told with a beautiful score.

-Jessica Roberts

My next show…

As promised, I can finally announce my next show, or theatrical adventure as I’d like to say.

My next theatrical adventure is Evita.

Program of the original West End production at the Prince Edward Theatre.

With music by the legendary team that is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this show concentrates on of the life of Argentina’s first lady Eva Peron, the second wife of the country’s president, Juan Peron. The story shows Eva’s early life, rise to power, her charity work, and her untimely death at the age of 33.

I’m really excited, as a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work, to be working in the ensemble of this fabulous cast and crew at the Harlequin Theatre. As the show dates draw near, June 21-July 13, I’ll post information on tickets.

First Blog…For Real

Hello.

This is possibly the first time that I’ve done something even close to a blog, but I’m excited to use this as a log of my journey as an artist.

I am an actor. I have been for as long as I can remember, but lately I’ve been branching out to other artistic venues and I’m liking it. I have dabbled in playwriting with varying success. I even have done some directing, also with success. And you’re probably wondering, what are you doing right now? Well, right now, I’m awaiting my next adventure. Once I have an update everyone will know.

Until then,

Jessica

Everything’s coming up roses

I know what you’re thinking, what’s with the Gypsy reference?

Well if you know me or the life of an actor trying to get work, you understand how frustrating it can be sometimes. Especially when you feel like you have been rejected by everyone. And if I may quote another lyric from Gypsy, lately I had kept asking myself and/or anyone who would listen “Someone tell me when is it my turn? Don’t I get a dream for myself?”

Another thing to keep in mind, I have been wanting to do well known works. Yes, working on original projects are fun but there comes a time where you need a break. I have yet to do a well known play or musical since 2019, and I was getting really frustrated…until now.

I can’t say anything until the theatre’s social media pages announce it, but I’ve been cast in a show. When the announcement comes out I’ll gladly share it on my socials as well as here on this blog.

Thanks for reading,

Jessica