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 were 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 Meghan Landon (They/Them) to serve as co-dramaturgs. Somehow, Jesse knew what He were doing with this pairing because Meghan 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 bring the right combination of people into rooms. 
When I met Jesse, He were 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 him 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 grow up to be - whoever He are, 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.