Major(s): Women’s Studies
What is your current role? What was your journey in arriving there?
I have been a solo performance artist since graduating from Wesleyan in 1992. I have created original work, usually multi-character plays, delving into serious issues with humor or creativity. The journey was that I was determined to perform, and since I was not being employed by others (enough) I rented out The Samuel Beckett theater in 1995 and performed my first full-length solo show. I have crafted close to 20 shows since then. I also have been a life coach and coached people all over the world for 27 years. Because I assisted someone in the Peace Corps, I have been suggested as a resource to many in remote locations going through something difficult. The bright spot of this is that because I have assisted those in The United Nations or NGO’s to navigate emotionally fraught situations and find a positive way to prevail, I have worked with heart-centered people who want to improve the world. It’s been a rewarding life so far!
My websites are www.jenniferblaine.com and www.blainecoaching.com
What do you enjoy about your work? What do you struggle with?
I love that I have to be creative, not just with my craft, but with devising ways to share and spread my work. I love making people laugh, or moving them en masse. I love entertaining strangers and creating connections between people.
The challenges with performance is that there are fewer theaters and cabarets post-pandemic. This is extremely hard.
As a life coach the market is flooded with other coaches! But I have always been able to create meaningful work, despite the competition.
How did your time at Wesleyan influence your career choice/journey?
I was an actress and women’s studies major at Wesleyan. I was able to cultivate my unique voice as a performance artist. I loved my classes in Postcolonial Literature with Indira Karamchetti, and I learned how to write effectively and make convincing arguments. This has served me well as a playwright, comedian, even as a lifecoach. Wesleyan absolutely helped me find my voice.
Do you have any advice for students thinking about entering your industry?
Have faith in yourself. There are so many people who will try to dissuade you from what you want to do. Use it as an impetus to refine and strengthen your arguments. Don’t fold in the face of a challenge. Be creative! The world needs your talents and creativity.
Updated as of September 29th, 2023
