Debuting Artist: Jessica Jackson

Introducing the Director behind the production: Jessica Jackson works with OpenStage for the very first time with The 39 Steps!
Meet Jessica Jackson, the visionary director behind OpenStage’s production of The 39 Steps! With a career spanning directing, composing, acting, writing, and improvising, Jessica’s work has captivated audiences through its creativity, humor, and heart. During her tenure as Artistic Director of Creede Repertory Theatre, she spearheaded groundbreaking projects, including six world premiere productions and multiple festivals celebrating new works. From founding Boomtown Improv Comedy to composing award-winning music, Jessica brings a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to every project she tackles.
For The 39 Steps, Jessica blends her love of comedy with her expertise in innovative storytelling to bring this fast-paced, madcap spy adventure to life. In this exclusive Q&A, Jessica shares her thoughts on directing this beloved production, her creative process, and what audiences can expect from the show.
Keep reading to discover how Jessica is putting her unique stamp on The 39 Steps and why you won’t want to miss this laugh-out-loud theatrical experience!
You have been a part of many world premiere productions and new play festivals. Tell us about the magic of new works and why they are important to you.
I love the process of developing new works. As a director, it’s an honor to be one of the many people who shepherd a new play toward what the playwright wants it to be. When I’m directing a reading or a workshop, I always try to discover…what is the playwright’s dream of this play? What does this play look like in its maturity? Even if you’re only involved in one step toward the play’s eventual end, it’s so great. As a composer and writer, I love how good collaborators can make you have those “ah ha” moments about the form of the play, the path it wants to follow.
You’re writing a full-length musical right now, what’s that like?
It’s hard! And terribly fun! Right now, I’m scoring a musical with book and lyrics by Steven Cole Hughes. It’s about mountain biking and its very funny.
How did you first hear about OpenStage, and what drew you to work with them for this show?
My friend and business manager at Creede Rep, Elizabeth Zurn, was hired as General Manager of OpenStage many years ago. That’s when I first heard of it. I never knew I’d end up in Fort Collins, but I love it here.
What has been the best part of working with this cast?
This cast is full of very creative actors and improvisers. They try moments a million different ways and are always up to play. We discovered many parts of the show by trying one thing, then another. Everyone’s ideas in the pot. Like stone soup, it makes something better than the sum of its parts.
What do you hope the audiences get out of watching this play?
I hope audience think about what live theatre can do, as distinct from recorded media. It’s so challenging and impressive to tell a story like this with four humans on stage, 5 humans backstage, 2 in the booth. And only trunks and lights and ladders. Theatre likes this asks the audience to be complicit in the storytelling. You have to go with us on the fact that we’re making a train out of four trunks and then leaping across the cars. It connects us to old forms of storytelling when our imaginations were engaged to a high degree.
What is your favorite show you have been a part of in the past? Why was that show special to you?
I was one of the co-creators of Pants on Fire: a totally made up musical for kids. It’s an hour long improv show for kids that is really dynamic and powerful and engages them to create obstacles and goals for the characters.
Is there a dream role or type of production you hope to work on in the future? OR What upcoming projects or roles are you excited about?
Ask me after I’ve finished my interactive one woman musical about the best medieval nun ever. I’ve always wanted to do an immersive concert version of Lizzie. I am also toying around (in my head) with how to gamify theatre to create a collaborative experience for an audience that builds as the show progresses.