Actor & Director
Em Hausmann, Director
Jesse is one of the most wonderfully talented, kind, and collaborative humans I've ever worked with. As an assistant director he is the best teammate you’ll ever have; he has a great skill for anticipating and solving problems and will go above and beyond to make your job easier, without overstepping. As an actor he brings ideas, energy, and a positive attitude—Jesse is someone you absolutely want in your cast! I am lucky to call Jesse not only a trusted collaborator, but also a dear friend.
Eliza Filatova, Costume Designer, and Actor
My experience collaborating with Jesse has been one of the most valuable. Jesse's bursting creativity shines through every project he takes on. Whenever I worked with Jesse, whether it was costume designing for his play or producing an entirely new show, it was obvious that Jesse has a unique outlook on the world and he is able to offer a variety of creative ideas.
Cory Sapienza, Actor and Director
It is always an absolute pleasure to make art with someone as passionate and hardworking as Jesse. I’ve had the privilege of working with him on several projects, and every time he’s made me feel incredibly supported and heard throughout the process in addition to bringing a surplus of exciting ideas into the room. Anyone would be lucky to have him as a collaborator.
Emma Sue Harris, Dramaturg
Jesse is someone whom I consider myself indebted to for my career as a dramaturg, and this letter is something I consider a surface level exploration of Jesse’ many favors (so many of which I have been lucky to witness).
I met Jesse oddly (and beautifully) enough on TikTok. He posted a video saying he was looking to fill a number of roles for the development/production process for a modern queer adaptation of “Pride and Predjudice.”
After seeing the video, I signed up to interview for the dramaturg role, and Jesse ended up hiring me and Landon (They/Them) to serve as co-dramaturgs. Somehow, Jesse knew what he was doing with this pairing because Landon is now one of my closest friends and collaborators. That pairing would’ve never happened if it wasn’t for the inner workings of Jesse’ brain. That is the kind of person Jesse is, he always bringing the right combination of people into rooms.
When I met Jesse, He was 19 years old. At 19, He were developing his own original play - not just writing a play and keeping it in the drawer, but bringing a full production team including two dramaturgs to collaborate with him. Jesse took the initiative to get his play into development. He created his ideal new play development process from the get-go at 19, when I was 19…. Well let’s just say I wasn’t doing THAT.
The most important thing you need to know about Jesse is the value he places on his collaborators. The extent of Jesse’ ability to hold space for the contributions of his collaborators is plain proof of Jesse’ extraordinary presence as a theatre-maker. Such an open-minded, thoughtful, flexible but precise, and inviting approach is more than inspiring from any artist but Jesse’ particular possession of these qualities is on par with artists two to three times his age.
Before Jesse, I’d never been hired as a dramaturg. He’s at the beginning of his journey “emerging” into the field, and where some would woe about the frustrations of being at the bottom of the metaphorical totem pole, Jesse creates opportunities for himself and extends himself to anyone looking to be embraced. Such generosity is sadly rare in our industry these days but Jesse shares and cares so full heartedly, one cannot help but look forward to seeing the theatre maker he grows up to be - whoever that is, I’d like to be more like him when I grow up.
Jesse is exactly who you want in your room, and you will not regret bringing him into yours.