Meet Jesse Perez | Theatre Maker and Educator

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

Hi Jesse, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I was young, I was very much into sports. Then some of my friends, right before I left elementary school suggested that I join this performance group, where they danced and sung and told stories. I really took to the telling stories part. This was all in the City of Commerce right outside East Los Angeles. It was a small community group that blew my mind. I knew I didn’t come from privilege and as a Mexican American I knew I would have to carve my own path, especially in an industry that is and was predominantly white, the theatre. I started to seek out where I can get affordable or free acting classes and as I started to sharpen my skills as a storyteller, it led me down a very exciting path, which eventually landed me in New York City. And once I knew I wanted to concentrate on telling stories, a lot of different avenues opened up for me. I became a theatre maker. With the skills I learned from the performing group, I could choreograph. By watching my mentors direct and teach I learned to do both by observing and taking notes. I eventually got into teaching acting and movement at The Juilliard School. Which then led to me being the Director of The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program. Pursuing an artistic and creative career is what feeds my soul and keeps me playful and young at heart.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m one of the lucky ones that’s constantly surrounded by Theatre. My job as a professor is enhanced by my work as a professional actor. I have been growing my professional career parallel to my teaching career. When I first got hired in San Diego, I was brought on as a professor of practice. I was encouraged to keep up my professional career and bring back that knowledge to the classroom. As I continue to build the faculty and welcome a more diverse student body, the curriculum starts to become clearer. The way we teach has to change and who we’re inviting to the table has to expand. With the social justice change that has hit our industry, now is the perfect time to elevate more marginalized voices and balance out the stories being told on our American stages and beyond. This work is not easy, but if you get a team together, you can move the dial a little more everyday. A catalyst for change in the American Theatre is my goal. I want to introduce new leaders and artists to our art form so they can help change the landscape for the better. And it all starts with education. Make it look more like the America we see right outside our doors. It shouldn’t be an art form solely for the privileged.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would see a lot of Theatre. San Diego is full of amazing Theatre. We would go to The Old Globe and wander through Balboa Park. We would go La Jolla Playhouse and see what’s happening on their stages. We would eat at Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights. Fortunate Son is another good spot for some good Chinese Food. I also love eating at Trust and Pomegranate. and we can always grab a nice cocktail and lounge it up The Lafayette Hotel in San Diego getting lost in their maze of bars and ending up at the bowling alley. San Diego is a great town to spend sometime. It’s so beautiful and you cannot beat the weather. Also, let’s hit the beach and sun bathe. Then we can maybe hit the San Diego zoo after dark. Only locals know.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to make a shout out to my family. My father, mother, and brothers. Without them, none of this would be possible. They have been supportive the entire journey and followed my career through its ups and downs. Also Adolfo Marquez, an old family friend who has guided me into the arts and has also supported me every step of the way. My wife and two dogs who always make my everyday very special and full of life and love. Also my colleagues and faculty at USD who keep me on my toes and keep me growing. And my artistic family at The Old Globe Theatre who inspire me everyday and make my workplace welcoming and exciting. And lastly, my students, who mean the world and teach me everyday. I just want to continue to give back.

Image Credits
Photo Credits Thomas Brunot