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Upcoming and Past Events
The Laramie Project
Second ASDS Thesis
Tectonic Theatre Company's The Laramie Project, one of the most famous verbatim theatre pieces of the last century, is a collection of interviews which tells the story of the abduction, torture, and eventual death of Matthew Shepard, a gay man, in Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. Directed by Lindsey Alterman, Jesse along with five other Acting MFA candidates will be telling this story from May 8th-11th 2024. Jesse will be appearing as several different characters of the massive list including but not limited to Matt Galloway, Rulon Stacy and Rob Debree.
Exit, Pursued by a Bear
First ASDS Thesis
From April 24th-27th, 2024, Jesse will be appearing in his first of two pieces in the ASDS 2024 Repertory Season, Exit, Pursued by a Bear by Lauren Gunderson. Gunderson has written a retelling of Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale reimagined as a revenge comedy. Jesse will be appearing as Kyle Carter, a liquor drinking, gun shooting, Georgian. The play focusses on modern relationships and what does it mean to "love" another. This piece will be directed by Zakk Ottmers and will feature three of Jesse's cohortmates.
ASDS Industry Showcase
On March 11th, 2024, Jesse along with his fellow Acting MFA candidates will participate in the ASDS Industry Showcase. Taking place in the historic Actors Studio, Jesse will be performing in front of industry professionals.
Live Showcase: March 11th at 2:30 and 6:00PM at The Actors Studio (432 W 44th St, New York City, NY 10036)
Digital Showcase: Will be available on Actors Access on March 11th.
Reflection of a Shadow
New York Theatre Festival
"Best Actor" Winner
Jesse appeared as the leading role in a new play by Rocky Nunzio entitled Reflection of a Shadow in the New York Theatre Festival's Spring/Summerfest 2023 at Teatro LATEA on the Lower East Side. The play centers around Griffin, a young man attempting to pick up the pieces of himself after he is shattered by a breakup. Jesse was nominated and later won the award for Best Actor by the NYTF for his work in this production. The festival itself comprised of around 80 different productions. Jesse was selected as the recipient for this award from a group of over 500 actors.
What We Choose to Breathe
The Tank Theatre
During his second year at the Actors Studio Drama School, February 2023, Jesse was cast in the play festival at the Tank theatre called "Love, Science, Magic" in the new play What We Choose to Breathe written and directed by Parker Jenkins. He played the character Austin. This play illustrates the mental weight the gaze of society has on a young mind in shaping who they are. It illustrates how toxic this gaze can be on one's mental health.
The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University
Due to the restrictions brought about in response to COVID-19, theatrical opportunities were nearly nonexistent. After over a year since his last project, Jesse decided to apply for graduate MFA programs to keep his creativity alive and his skills honed. After months of preparation, followed by months of auditions (all done over Zoom), Jesse found himself accepted into one of his dream programs. He moved to NYC and is attending The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University to pursue an MFA in Acting.
Preparatory
An Independent Film by Eric Younger
In late November 2019, Jesse appeared in Eric Younger's "Preparatory" as Georgie. The film centers around Georgie and his relationship with another classmate at Georgetown Prep School. The film questions race relations, financial status, stereotypes and the stigmas these can create.
Bring It On: The Musical
MSMT Regional Theatre Production
Jesse appeared as Steven in Muhlenberg College Summer Theatre's production of Bring It On: The Musical directed by James Peck. Jesse, along with the rest of the cast, in just three weeks, became very comfortable with basic cheerleading lifts, tosses, catches, and stunts. It was performed on the Empie Stage and ran for a total of three weeks.
Muhlenberg College Graduation
Jesse graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania with degrees in Theatre, with a concentration in Acting, and Dance, with a concentration in performance.
