Jessica Arjet
Owner / Youth Programs Director
The Hideout Theatre
“It is super important for me to understand how people work and what motivates them. So just listening to people in general is super important. ”
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I wanted to be a lawyer, but my learning differences made that impossible at the time. So, stopped at a BA in history.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I traveled Europe and Africa working as a maid or english teacher.
I had a career in social work for a few years. I loved helping people but it was too draining on me.
I was a stay at home mom for a few years. During this time I was very active in my church and learned more leadership skills.
I was a professional clown for 18 years. It was a great job, but very hard and not very financially rewarding. I wanted to go to Circus School, but was told I was too old.
I started taking improv classes to help with Clowning, through that I started children's classes and shows.
I joined two others in buying an improv theater, I brought my already running children's program to the table. This business has expanded and grown significantly.
Education
High School
LBJ
LBJ
Bachelor
BA in History
The University of Texas at Austin
BA in History
The University of Texas at Austin
Career
Owner / Youth Programs Director
I run all aspects of the children's program and oversee the business in general.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Acting & Theatre
Education
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
It's very different every day. I try to start out with working out and journaling so that I am centered and ready for whatever comes. I usually work a few hours at the computer answering emails or figuring out proactive steps. Then I have several meetings a week. In the evenings I teach or perform and on the weekends I usually direct, perform or guide others.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Volunteer to help out, or become a teacher and then be very helpful and easy to work with.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"My abilities to run a business and lead were frequently questioned - usually in backhanded ways that were covered as concern. "
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Learning Issues
