We had the good fortune of connecting with Jan Batten and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jan, how do you think about risk?

Risk taking was my jam as a child. I constantly took risks for whatever reason – most likely to grab attention since I was the youngest of four kids and although in a loving home, my parents were very busy, so I had to GRAB their attention! Also, I was always the type of child who wanted to “see what would happen if….” This often landed me in the ER (jumping off high staircases, etc.) and in the Principal’s office at school (pulling the fire alarm to see what would happen)! Thankfully my crazy teen years of this type of risk taking did not land me in jail (I did come close at age 18)! **Fast forward to marriage & motherhood. I became very protective, and a non-risk taker! Now the thought became, “I’m AFRAID to see what would happen if….” But what had not changed throughout my life was the need to be good at things if I was going to do them. Not wanting to do things if I wasn’t the BEST. It seemed I needed people to affirm me! So regarding my acting career, the biggest risk for me was “What if I’m not good enough?” “What if I don’t succeed?” “What if others criticize or mock me for trying?” All these thoughts threatened to keep me from going for my dream/calling of becoming an actor. I knew in 2021, that it was time to get back into the business (I had achieved some moderate success in my 20;s and 30’s with modeling, commercials and industrials). But I was older now. And I wanted to do TV/film.. I finally decided (through some long times of prayer, reflection, and coaching) that the biggest risk of all is NOT TRYING!  The risk of “What will happen if I DON’T do this?” SO, I took the risk! I began studying with acting coaches, getting an agent, and a manager, watching & even submitting self tape auditions that I KNEW weren’t up to par, but continuing to grow and learn anyway! I’m still in classes, learning the business, and standing up to the thoughts that sometimes want to derail me. The results are beginning to be rewarding and fun! Standing up to my fears and raking a risk is actually FUN! I seek God, trust Him, and trust His strength to be at work in me, and I go for it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I used to stand in front of the mirror as a little girl and do toothpaste and shampoo commercials. I also used to stand on a stool or chair and sing songs or lip sync for any audience that would listen! My imagination was GRAND! Once playing charades at my auntie’s home, I was jumping on a trampoline on a solid wood floor and did a SEAT DROP.! Method acting! Ouch! I was born to act. I know this now. I moved from Michigan to southern California in the 80’s and began doing industrials, commercials and spokesperson/hosting work. Some modeling. Then, after having 4 kids, and staying busy with homeschooling them, I set it aside for 20 years. We finished rearing the four kids, and then adopted two girls from Uganda, after a missions trip and seeing the need. In 2021, our two adopted girls were off to college, and I thought “what’s next for my life?” In prayer, I felt the prompting (I dare say calling) to move back into acting. In this Phase 2 of sorts, I want to make an impact in tv/film. I want to see and be a part of stories that bring joy, hope and faith into the world. I am loving making new friends in this business, and loving ACTING! It can be difficult at times when the auditions aren’t showing up, or when you audition tons and don’t book any! But then I realize the results don’t need to be in the bookings! The results of my work are: the joy of creating, the loving relationships being built, and the learning along the way!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, gosh, we live in the BEST place! We would need to include a good hike or two: (Torrey Pines, Annie’s Canyon, Potato Chip Rock, OR along the beach starting at 25th street in Del Mar.) Getting a cold brew or a latte at Lofty Coffee in Solana Beach, or Lovesong or Communal Coffee in Northpark. There are so many great coffee places, we could go somewhere different daily for a few weeks!. We would definitely eat at Nectarine Grove in Encinitas (and get a bullet proof coffee there, too!). We would also eat at Havana Grill on Clairemont Mesa (the BEST ingredients and Cuban tastes), or BushFire Kitchen in Del mar. Also Spitfire Grill in Scripps Ranch inside the JuneShine brewery for serioulsy the best burrito ever. I would love to take them on a bike ride up and down Highway 101 from Encinitas to Leucadia to Solana Beach and just visit all the fun beachy shops and restaurants. We would also take a book and sit on the beach and read, talk and nap in the sun! We would do a hop on and off bus tour of San Diego & Coronado, because it is a way to see all the sights with a tour guide! Even after living here for 40 years, I always learn something new.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Caroline Raedeker – Shamon Freitas Agency, in San Diego, who gave me a chance, as I came back into this world in 2021. Wendy Alane Wright, of Hollywood Winners Circle. Straight Shooter and Teacher of the Business of Acting. Connector!
Jean Vavra, Friend, Fellow Actor, who first told me about HWC!

Carey Scott, my very first TV/Film acting coach during this Phase 2 of my career,

James Ciccone, Actor, and Acting Coach of Show up to Book the Role, who kept working with me when I was VERY green!

Glenn Morshower, Actor and Acting Coach of the Extra Mile Acting Workshop, and Motivational Speaker (Glenn has encouraged me so much! He regularly tells me “you’re ready, Jan!” , and keeps taking me to higher levels in my. acting skill.
Kymberly Harris, Director/Writer/Producer of First Hand Films, who said “I see you, Jan. I see your talent.”
Heather Roy, my Manager. She believes in me so much! Thank you, Heather.

And last but most importantly, My husband Mark who is my biggest cheerleader and champions me in this work! I love you, dear!

Thank you to you all! From the bottom of my grateful heart!

Other: FOR BOOKINGS or more information, contact Heather Roy at www.nesianmanagement.com.

Image Credits
Greg Crowder, Photographer

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