Jessica Reed

Jessica Reed has been surrounded by the arts since practically birth. Hailing from a family of creative people, the stage has always been a big part of her life. She was lucky enough to have parents who knew the value of art. Starting as a dancer at age 2, Jessica quickly became a hard-core fan, eventually participating in dance classes 4-5 days a week, as well as performing in many shows and competing in National competitions. While in high school, Jessica began exploring more of the behind the scenes parts of performing. She worked on costumes and make-up for all of the plays and musicals that she could get involved with. After graduating, Jessica was invited back to choreograph for her high school, which she did for 2 years. Simultaneously, she was attending Burlington County Community College, and taking as many fine arts classes as possible, which included a design class. This inspired Jessica to look for a career option that could combine her many loves. This did exist – as a new program at the University of the Arts. After applying and getting accepted, Jessica e xcitedly became a student in the newly formed Theatre Design and Technology program, from which she graduated with honors in 2008.

Jessica thrived at the University of the Arts, working on over 20 productions during her 3-year span. She was fortunate to have been able to design 9 shows at UARTS, including costume designs for 2 shows that were entries in the 2007 Philly Fringe Festival, as well as designing costumes for “The Screwtape Letters” at the Lantern Theatre. In addition, Jessica has stage-managed 2 shows at UARTS, and recently was given the opportunity to Stage Manage an Equity Showcase in New York for Blood & Stone Theatre Company. Jessica is also currently stage-managing the newly formed Theatre Revolution’s production of “This Is Our Youth”.

The theatre is Jessica’s passion, and she is more than happy to work in any capacity, whether it be designing, stage-managing, or even hanging lights. She is very excited to have been given the opportunity to work with Aspire Arts on this world premier production. She hopes to one day work as a costume designer on Broadway, but would gladly continue to work locally with such an amazing group of people!