Jenna Pastuszek
Quick note from Peter: Jenna is a teacher, actor, and Founding Artist at Innovative Voice Studio in NYC. Once you wander into Jenna P’s voice lessons, as I’ve been extremely lucky to do this year, you’ll be struck with three things within minutes:
1. Jenna gets it. She’s a voice teacher actively involved in the auditioning and performing world, ready to work with your vocal issues in a practical, athletic, and invigorating way.
2. She’s, truly, one of those special impassioned teachers that have you feeling invincible. No one leads by example in a more inspiring way.
3. She looks A LOT like Kristen Bell.
COVID-19 has delayed her performances and drastically changed her day-to-day. Yet, to steal her pun, she’s been innovating and, as usual, seems to be one step ahead of the world. We found her piece calming, creative, grounded, and inspiring. You know… exactly how we always find her. Enjoy the wisdom of our friend, Jenna P.
For more on Jenna, check out her amazing blog here.
And Innovative Voice Studio’s website here.
What were you looking forward to that you lost because of COVID-19?
Oh boy. I was really excited to bring my solo show, GET HAPPY!: An Evening Celebrating the World’s Greatest Entertainer, Judy Garland, to NYC this spring! Long story, making it short: I was asked to put together an hour-long Judy tribute for a theatre company’s gala last fall. I had a blast putting it together and it was super well received by the gala attendees, so I thought- why not bring it to NYC? I’ve spent much of my career thus far working in regional theatres across the country, and my friends and colleagues in NYC always ask, “When can I see you in something in the city!?” I was thrilled to have an opportunity to invite my local peeps to come see! Pre-covid, we were in rehearsals, finalizing the set list, hiring the band, tweaking the banter, and finishing arrangements to be ready for our May 6th show at The Green Room 42. Luckily, the show has been rescheduled to September 24th at 7pm, so if you’re reading this, mark your calendar! ☺
As a voice teacher, I’ve lost the daily transfer of creative energy that happens in my voice studio. Initially, I had to really mourn the hiatus of that physical energetic transaction as we moved our voice studio online full time. Now, I can say that I wake up every morning excited to discover even more benefits of online teaching (there are many!). Tim and I are having fun getting INNOVATIVE (seewhatIdidthere) with the ways in which we can continue to support our artists from the other side of the screen. So while I’ll miss some of the upcoming in person masterclasses and studio cabarets we had planned this spring, I’m thrilled about our new weekly virtual singing Happy Hour, our online BADassery masterclasses, and all of the other magic up our sleeves that Covid has encouraged us to create.
What is something (a thought, a family member, a hope, a piece of art, a meme, a song, ANYTHING) that is getting you through?
“David after the dentist” (see https://youtu.be/txqiwrbYGrs). His anesthesia induced journey through the five stages of grief really sums up how I’ve felt throughout this. Thank you, David, where ever you are, for this joy producing gift.
What do you think has an opportunity to change as a result of this time to reset?
OOOOOHHHH!! JUICY QUESTION!!! Wow- there’s so much! After Hurricane Sandy hit NYC, I’ll never forget my friend Hunter saying to me, “Even the city that never sleeps is sometimes forced to take a nap.” Today feels like a similar situation: Our beloved city, our profession, our art form is being asked to take a nap. And we all know that naps are sometimes the reset we need to take us out of the temper tantrum we’re having and bring us back to reality, calm, and focus. I am excited for the new mediums in which we’ll share our art after this (for example all of the videos of regional productions that are now streaming, the virtual choirs, the celebrities singing in their basements (Patti Lupone I love you!!!), the FacebookLives of readings/labs/concerts, etc.). I am excited to re-examine the audition process after this (maybe this signals the end of hundreds of people waiting in crowded lines at 3am for open calls?!). This reset is providing our industry with the opportunity to change- to become even closer as a true community, even more committed to building a more inclusive and collaborative arena, and even more dedicated to the future of our beloved art form.
Anything else you'd like our readers to know during this time?
My friend asked me how I was the other day, and I said this: I find myself feeling like sandpaper these days. Some days, I am the smooth side. I am going with the flow, I am focused, in the zone, and creating to the best of my ability given the beautiful constraints with which I have to work. I am a joy to accidentally rub up against because I feel shiny and nice to the touch. Other days, like today, I am the scratchy side. The gritty side who's frustrated and angry and just wants to be rubbed against wood incredibly vigorously so that my grit gets worn out faster and doesn't have to continue to march through the life of sometimes being of use (like when one comes across a hard edge) and sometimes being discarded and lost in the back of the utility closet.
My friend replied: After some time, even the scratchy side becomes smooth. Until then, stay scratchy. The scratchy makes the smooth feel even smoother.
So, however you’re feeling right now, know that both scratchy and smooth moments are necessary and invited to the sandpaper party!
Quarantine Quickly:
Favorite snack: Chocolate chip cookies, hands down.
Home workout routine (you know, if you're into that): Thank you Peloton app for your free 90 days of work outs. Even without owning the bike, the workouts are crushing it. Also to all of my clients and friends teaching zoom classes, I APPRECIATE YOU!
What are you watching: Better Call Saul – if you loved Breaking Bad, highly recommend.
What you are reading: The Art of Possibility
Yes or no… Out of pajamas before noon?: YES! BE A NEWSIE AND SEIZE THE DAY!