Jessica’s Legacy lives on!

 

When Jessica Jacobs was just two years old she sang carols on an open air stage. It was the beginning of a blossoming acting career as she later went on to perform as Marta von Trap in the stage version of ‘The Sound of Music’ and then acting in television shows such as ‘The Saddle Club’, ‘Worst Best Friends’, ‘Fergus McFail’ and ‘Holly Heroes’.

 

After Jessica’s sudden and unfortunate passing in 2008 her achievements inspired her mother Joanna to open a drama school in Jessica’s memory so as to “nurture young theatrical talent in the city Jess loved”.

 

Jessica played violin at the age of 5 and her skills in drama and music saw her perform around the country, resulting in personal growth and development as well allowing her to have some amazing experiences.

 

“It made her a very independent young woman. It gave her opportunities to do things most people will never achieve. It also gave her a fantastic work ethic”, explains Joanna. 

 

Having been in operation for over two years, ‘The Jessica Jacobs School of Drama’ is a specialist drama school that offers children aged 5 to 16 years old a wide range of acting techniques and self esteem activities.

 

Running three-hour workshops each week as well as producing a showcase and production each year, the school offers a wide range of theatre techniques includingButoh, Stanislavski, and Brecht as well as building on individual skills such as mime, melodrama, basic circus skills, and object and character transformation.

Currently working as a secondary school drama teacher with over 25 years experience in the performing arts, Joanna describes her approach to teaching as ‘holistic,’ taking into consideration the individual needs of each child.

 

“If a student is struggling with bullying we might do a small role play and give them some positive approaches to the problem,” she explains. “If a student is really shy we gently persuade them to join in.” As well improving drama skills and developing talent, a key approach used by Joanna when teaching is to ensure that the students are having fun in an uninhibited environment. This may be an aspect overlooked and neglected by other drama schools.

 

Drama student, 7 year old Annabelle, decided that she wanted to act at the age of 4, after her parents Dean and Melissa took her to see the theatrical production of ‘Mary Poppins. But after enrolling her in a drama school elsewhere, they were disappointed to find the environment too formulaic, tightly scripted and contrived.

 

“These classes seemed more about giving joy to the parents than allowing the children to feel comfortable expressing themselves,” explains Dean. “Annabelle took one look at the line of children trying to sing and tap dance whilst their parents watched on prompting the kids to smile - and look like they were having fun - and decided this was not for her.” “We decided to give it one more try and read about Jessica Jacobs School in Annabelle’s primary school newsletter. She instantly loved it and still does”.

 

It’s important for children to find an outlet that makes them feel good about themselves. For many kids this might be sport but for Annabelle it is performing. Melissa explains “If nothing else this is what the Jessica Jacobs School has done for Annabelle. It also has encouraged her to write her own stories.”

 

 “The best endorsement I can provide is that Annabelle wants to attend and enjoys the experience” says Melissa

 

“First and foremost Joanna understands children and most importantly we felt she understood Annabelle. When we noted one day that Annabelle was an emotional child Joanna simply said “Of course she is – she’s creative.” No adult role model outside of family had ever seen this as clearly before and indeed identified these qualities as strengths not weaknesses.” 

Joanna allows the kids to be noisy and talk up, something that children often have to repress at school and something Annabelle clearly likes to do. Melissa and Dean also trust Joanna and have been impressed with the general level of support the children, particularly the older kids provide each other and the younger ones. It is a safe and caring environment for creative children. They also value the fact that Joanna supported her daughter through her successful acting career and would have seen both the positives and pitfalls of the industry.   

“In the lead up to Annabelle’s first end of year performance we had our second child and had very little time to help Annabelle learn her lines. On the night of the performance we were surprised just how much dialogue Annabelle had learnt and how confident she was in front of an audience. Most of all Annabelle felt proud of what she had achieved!” 

 

Assisting Joanna in teaching the classes is Ali Ryrie-Golding, a close friend of Jessica’s, who has been involved with the school from its very beginning.

 

Ali says that during a typical class the children are “hyped up and excited” and the atmosphere is “bubbly”. Herself a second-year theatre arts student, Ali recognizes how the performing arts can assist students to “come out of their shells”. The company has grown into a real family. Ali loves all the students that come in and loves introducing new students to the classes.

 

“It is very rewarding to see children become comfortable, and trust their peers and their teachers enough to show us different sides of their personality. They get a chance to discover a little more about themselves every week and I get an extreme amount of satisfaction from teaching plus I also get to run around like a child for two hours a week!”

 

 It can be really challenging though on one of Melbourne’s hot days, or if one of the kids is having a tough day.

 

In one particular example, Ali refers to a girl in the junior class who was reclusive and shy when she first started the classes but became more open and sociable as she was encouraged to interact with the other children. She now has friends in the class and can speak in front of the group. “She is slowly growing more confident, it’s incredible to see,” says Ali.

 

At the Jessica Jacobs Drama School, kids have a place to meet like-minded people their age and stay in contact with as they grow older. Some may go on to a career in acting but more importantly they get a chance to discover a little more about themselves every week, and the confidence they gain can be used in all areas of their life.

 

To quote 7 year old Annabelle "I love going to drama it is really cool and you get to express yourself. I wouldn't want to go to any other drama school". What better recommendation can you get than that?

 

 

If you are interested in classes you can call Joanna Jacobs on 0411 063 625 for more info or check out the website www.jessicajacobsschoolofdrama.com.au