What year(s) did you attend HSA?
I attended HSA from 2004 to 2006 and was a part of the College Prep Theater program.

Where did you study after HSA and what was your major?
In 2010, I received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Acting with a minor in Writing from Ithaca College in Upstate New York.

Tell us about your professional theater experience.
At HSA I performed in productions of Panther Women as Donna Martin, Black Girl as Mama Rosie and sang in Nativity Now. During college I played Georgia in The Exonerated, Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Vicki/Joanie in Full Monty. I’ve produced and directed Entry #12: Poetry is… at HSA, Spit That! Showcase and Beats Like Bombs: We Spit Nouns and Verbs at Ithaca. I have also participated in numerous poetry slams and performances.

What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale. I am the lead, producer, director, co-playwright and one of the actresses in the production. Renaissance in the Belly is a montage of theatre, poetry, dance, and song. It explores the evolution of Harlem through the eyes of three young women. The production is now playing at the Times Square Art Center.

What did you learn from your experience at HSA?
I learned many valuable theatre skills while at HSA. After attending HSA I was well-prepared to audition for Ithaca’s very competitive acting program. Since I did not attend a performing arts school, it was at HSA that I was able to learn new acting techniques, direct my first show, experiment with playwriting, perform my poetry, and experience various aspects of the theatre world that were otherwise inaccessible to me on a daily basis.

Do you have any advice for current HSA students?
My advice would be to not only learn and perfect your craft but to also learn the business aspect. I would recommend talking to your teachers about the business of being a performer. Also, take every opportunity to network. Networking is important in the artistic world. Be sure to keep in contact with your teachers and peers. I am producing and featuring in my own show in Times Square because I kept in contact with my HSA teacher from seven years ago!

How can people learn more about you?
For more information about my work and projects visit www.jayleneclark.com