Debuting Artists at OpenStage: Kelby Jakober
Introducing Kelby Jakober as “Margaret Dashwood/Mrs. Ferrars/Gossip” in Sense and Sensibility
Welcome back to our Debuting Artist blog series! OpenStage is home to many incredible artists, some who have worked with the company for years and others who are brand new.
This week is a little bit different, as today I will be introducing and interviewing myself! My name is Kelby Jakober – I serve as the Social Media/Administrative Assistant for the company, and I am a debuting artist this season. I am proud to be a part of the cast of our upcoming production Sense and Sensibility playing Margaret Dashwood, Mrs. Ferrars, and a Gossip.
Tell us about yourself! Where you’re from, your hobbies, past work, fun facts, or anything that comes to mind!
I am from Castle Rock, Colorado, and I am currently in my fourth year studying theatre at Colorado State University! I have always had a deep love for theatre performance, but I also have interests in arts management and administration. I like to keep myself busy outside of school – I am a member of Kappa Delta sorority, I work doing social media for OpenStage, and usually, I am in rehearsals for an upcoming production. As my friends and family hear me say time and time again: “I can’t, I have rehearsal.”
What made you decide to get involved with Sense and Sensibility?
I worked as an intern for OpenStage this summer, and when auditions for Murder on the Orient Express and Sense and Sensibility came around before the school year, I figured I might as well give it a shot! Noah Racey, one of my professors at CSU, was directing the production, so I knew that between him and Sydney Parks Smith, the Producing Artistic Director for OpenStage, there would be a few friendly faces in the room. I am so glad I auditioned, as now I have the opportunity to work with an incredible cast and crew and take part in an awesome production!
How has your experience with OpenStage been so far?
I have loved my experience with OpenStage! Everyone involved with the company – the staff, the audience, and the company members, have been so welcoming and kind. I first worked doing social media promotion for Tiny Beautiful Things this summer, and it has been incredible to see the company flourish after a year of uncertainty. Finally coming back to perform live theatre has been great – the energy in rehearsals is electric and we are all so excited to create art again.
What is your favorite thing about working in theatre?
I love the bond that forms with the cast and crew as we all work together to create a beautiful show. It takes a lot of teamwork to put on a play, and there are a lot of moving pieces that must fit together perfectly. I love the process of making that happen. Also, we get to play pretend for a living – what could be more fun?
Tell me about a stand-out experience from rehearsals so far. Any funny/interesting stories?
All of the set pieces in this show are on wheels – this has caused a lot of hijinks as we work to figure out how to transition between scenes. There is a point where I sit on a chair with wheels (as many characters do throughout the show) and I am pushed around the stage by another cast member, which has been fun. My time outside of rehearsals has been interesting as well; between practicing waltzing around my apartment and constantly running through my lines in a British accent, it’s shocking that my roommates still tolerate me.
Do you have any upcoming projects after Sense and Sensibility?
I am graduating from Colorado State University in the spring of 2022, so that’s pretty exciting! For my next steps, I am in the process of applying to graduate schools, so we’ll see where that takes me. You’ll also continue to see my social media posts for OpenStage in upcoming productions!
Come see Kelby and the rest of the cast in Sense and Sensibility, opening January 15th!
Sense and Sensibility
Directed by Noah Racey
Original Score by Aaron Gandy
January 15 – February 12, 2022
When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart? This fresh, spirited update of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood Sisters ‒ “sensible” Elinor and “sensitive” Marianne ‒ after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Exploring what it is to be women traversing society, gossip and the opposing opinions of your heart and mind, Hamill’s adaptation explores the classic story with humor and bold theatricality, highlighted by original music and movement.
