TW: This episode mentions sexual harassment and assault.
Jessica Chen is an American dancer, choreographer and Founder and Artistic Director of J CHEN PROJECT, a 501c3 nonprofit contemporary dance company. Her work has been presented at MoMA, Lincoln Center’s Restart Stages, Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, and MACY’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, to name a few. She’s currently on the director's team for The Messenger at Palm Beach Dramaworks and will next be choreographing Cabaret at Center Repertory Company.
In today’s episode, Jessica discusses the ins and outs of establishing her own dance company, what she looks for in cast members and collaborators in her commercial theater projects, and the kind of supportive environment she establishes as a leader, and requires from others.
The Jessicas dive into what it means to be truly safe in a working environment, how they have been taken advantage of in the past, and how fearful yet important it is to use their voices to address issues within the industry.
Jessica C. then flips the mic and asks Jessica A. questions about her own healing journey and what comes next.
Follow along on Jessica’s journey: @jessicachen.arts
Transcript available on our website!
