We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Blake and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

How much of a win it is when you book a tv show/film. Doing the math, consider how many actors there are in this town, and then how many get called in, then how many get called back, then how many of that group go to producers. Taking everything into consideration, it can be a huge win (it’s only a win if you’re purely getting the part and not being given the part from friends or family:)

The second, more obvious point is the amount of rejection. Really. You build up a tolerance, a callus, to it. It can start to weigh on you mentally after x amount of times that you’re not booking, or not getting a pin. You can get into an existential spiral if you don’t stay on top of it. When that spiral begins, I look to a couple of solid friends I have in the industry. We commiserate and simultaneously lift each other up.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My perseverance. I think only a couple of us from my graduating class at The Boston Conservatory are still pursuing creative careers. I’m proud that when I set my mind to something that excites me, I make it happen. I co-created an original musical based on the life of country singer Mindy McCready. I also starred in it and produced it. We had successful runs in Los Angeles and in NYC. We recorded an EP with the cast, and overall I’m really proud that I made it happen. I didn’t come from money or any connections in the industry. I want to be seen for my own unique voice. That and make people laugh and feel less alone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Los Feliz, so I’d start off driving by some of the most historical spots- like the Sowden House, drive by Walt Disney’s old studios, the Vista theatre, and over to Griffith Park. We’d go to to Musso and Franks and have Sonny make us his famous martini’s and have him point out where Steve McQueen used to sit. The next night, I’d head up to Yamashiro for its spectacular view above Hollywood and have some sushi at this historical spot since 1914. After dinner, we’d get drinks at The Frolic Room, a dive bar in Hollywood that has the best bartenders in town and where Bukowski used to be a regular. We’d definitely drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, sit on the beach at Paradise Cove, or grab dinner later at Duke’s.
I’m sure we’d make it to some of my regular spots that I can walk to from my place in Los Feliz and meet up with some of my friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several “somebody’s”. I grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and am so grateful for the spaces where I got to perform/spend most of my childhood: Montgomery Little Theatre, Jasmine Hills Theatre, Alabama Dance Theatre, and Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Shout out to John Bell, Randy Foster and Lorraine Thompson who taught/directed/mentored me from a very young age. They each recognized how serious I was about pursing the stage. It’s so significant for any child to be heard and treated as a serious potential professional. To my grandmother, Mary Frances Porterfield, and my mother, Becky Gober, who endlessly carpooled me to and from auditions, rehearsals, and classes. Inspiration and support all begins with them.

 

Website: https://www.mccready-musical.com/

Instagram: @thisjenniferblake

Youtube: @ThisJenniferBlake

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1631600/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

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