In The Haus: Jennifer Sarah Dean
Jennifer Sarah Dean’s journey in the performing arts began as a performer travelling across the UK and Europe, but it was her passion for storytelling that led to her career as a director. After producing and directing her first play as part of a new writing festival, she discovered a love for curating and creating stories. Now, Jennifer is known for her versatility, having worked on projects ranging from mainstage musicals to classical texts. Her work is driven by a desire to make theatre accessible and share diverse stories with audiences.
In our latest In The Haus feature, Theatre Haus chats with Jennifer about her creative journey, inspirations, and current work on the Victorian premiere of “The Whale” by Samuel D. Hunter. Jennifer shares insights into her creative process, the milestones that have defined her career, and her advice for aspiring theatre makers. Join us as we explore the passion and dedication behind Jennifer’s work, and get a glimpse into what audiences can expect from “The Whale” at The Alex in St Kilda.
We’d love to know more about the beginning of your career – where and how did you get your start?
I actually started out my career as a performer and worked as an actor in the UK and Europe for around 5 years. It was during this time that I wrote my first play, and in order to get it put on I self-produced and directed it as part of a new writing festival. During that process, I realised that I had a real passion for directing and helping to curate and create stories, and I have been doing that ever since!
In my career, I have been very fortunate to work on a range of projects from mainstage musicals to new writing to classical text. For me, I love telling stories and that often crosses a variety of genres, I feel very privileged to have been able to work in a number of different forms on a wide range of different projects with storytelling being the key component for me. At heart, I am a storyteller and I look for projects that allow me to share interesting and diverse stories.
What or who were some of your early influences or inspirations that shaped your career?
Growing up in the UK we didn’t go to the theatre a lot, however, every year we would go to a Christmas pantomime. It’s a brilliant tradition that most families partake in back home and I remember loving seeing the incredible costumes, and sets and being captivated by the stories. What’s great about pantomime is that it’s accessible, affordable theatre that encourages shared experience for people who may not have seen any other live theatre show. This is something that I have always taken with me and has inspired the core mission of Melbourne Shakespeare Company; making theatre accessible for everyone.
What are some of the most defining moments or milestones in your career so far?
About four months after I moved to Australia I was fortunate enough to get a job as the Assistant Director on Ghost Stories at the Sydney Opera House. As someone new to the country it was such a life-changing experience, getting to work on a major mainstage production at such an iconic venue was a dream come true and I think it changed the trajectory of my career.
The other key moment would be the founding the Melbourne Shakespeare Company. When I initially set up the company I had no idea how much it would grow or that I would still be doing it eight years later! My favourite thing about working with Melbourne Shakespeare is the community. We have such an incredible community of artists that we work with who are so supportive of each other and the work we create, it is really humbling.
What is a quirky fact about you, or something people wouldn’t expect about your story?
I love audiobooks. I have listened to 197 which equates to 2713 hours or 3 months 24 days of solid listening.
What are you currently working on and how has that creative process been?
Currently, I’m in rehearsals for the Victorian Premier of The Whale by Samuel D. Hunter. Although there are a lot of really tough themes in the play so far it has been a really joyous process. We have managed to assemble a really incredible team for this show and the rehearsal room has been feeling really creatively stimulating. Even though we are still early in the process I am already so awed by the performances the actors are giving, and I think this is going to be something really special.
What’s in your rehearsal bag that you can’t go without?
Probably a strange answer but I’m not very good at sitting still! In rehearsals, I often like to move around or play with something in my hands. A few years ago I received a fidget spinner as a Secret Santa gift (from an actor) and IT IS GREAT! I always make sure I pack it for rehearsals.
Do you have a reading, teaching/advice, institution or resource that changed your life/perspective, which you’d recommend to others?
Acknowledging that art is subjective was a big turning point for me. Instead of worrying about what other people thought or think of my work, I have learned to trust my instinct and make work that I would like to see. There will always be people who don’t like the things that we create and that’s ok, art should be open to debate, critique and evaluation that’s what makes it exciting!
What advice would you give to a young person today aspiring to walk in your shoes?
My top tip would be to make your own work and not wait for other people to ‘give you’ opportunities. The more you develop your craft as a theatre maker, collaborate with other artists and showcase your skills the more opportunities will present themselves to you.
The other thing (which is probably a given) is to be kind. We work in a really tough industry and there are lots of physical, emotional and financial challenges. At the end of the day, we are all doing this because we are passionate about it so we should help and support each other whenever we can. Being kind costs nothing but it’s something that will benefit everyone.
What are your future aspirations or projects that you’re excited about?
My dream would be to be a resident director or associate director at a mainstage theatre company.
Theatre Haus is the ‘home of theatre’, where, what or who do you call home?
So home is with my family – my husband Kevin and my daughter Zara. We travel around a lot for my work, so home definitely feels like the people over the location!
Don’t miss ‘The Whale’ performing at The Alex, in St Kilda until Sunday 14 July! Alternatively, you can follow Jennifer on Instagram and stay up to date with her career.
Want to feature in our In The Haus series? Email [email protected].
