Jessica passionately believes that the performing arts should be accessible to all, regardless of age or ability. When she founded her one-woman company Drama In Progress in 2014, it was because she noticed two consistently underserved demographics: early childhood and older adults. Working tirelessly to fill that gap, she visits preschools and senior living communities weekly to provide access to professional-grade learning and performance opportunities.
Her students range from ages 2 to 94 and over the years have included the blind, the physically disabled, those with limited mobility, and those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Her greatest joy is opening up meaningful possibilities for those who need it most. At the preschool level, she watches child after child grow more confident, socially aware, and creative. Usually, the children with the most disruptive behavior always love drama class and, over time, learn to really listen to others and become part of the whole.
Additionally, Jessica began a touring group of older adults, The Second Act Players. The SAPs perform all over the Denver metro area in preschools and senior centers. Jessica believes strongly in inter-generational experiences and uses theatre to build those connections.