Rising Stars: Meet Jarrett Poore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarrett Poore.  

Hi Jarrett, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Working as an actor in one of the tourist hubs of the nation, I found myself constantly wanting to create new and innovative art. I began my career as a professional performer back in 2014, earned by B.F.A. in Musical Theatre in 2017, and my Master’s in theatre in 2020 during the pandemic. I had worked a bunch as a teaching artist and as an actor in the regional theatre circuit but found that some of those spaces did not always align with my ambitions. Then, in early 2021, my partner Bryan and I, along with a few other friends helped establish The Orlando Artist Guild, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating brave and inclusive spaces both for our pre-professional youth series shows and with our professional productions. We partnered up with ME Performing Arts in the area and have since produced four youth productions, two concerts, and three professional productions with them, creating new opportunities for artists in the area to perform or work creatively. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges in the arts has of course been the pandemic, but everyone talks about that. I’ve found an even bigger obstacle to be the gatekeeping that occurs in the theatrical community. Naturally, an art form evolves over time, but there are some that cling to the way things were rather than how they could be. Countless times I have faced those that have been in the industry for years saying “That’s just the way this business is” when confronting instances of inequality or inaccessibility, and my response is always “Why should it stay that way though?” There is an increasing amount of us in younger generations that are coming face to face with the “old guard” and begging the question “How can we create a space for all in the theatre, not just the elite or chosen few?” 

At times, it feels like an uphill battle, but it is so worth it. Any time something gets accomplished like a raise in pay, more accountability, more diversity, or better practices, it is good to remind myself that this isn’t just for us, but rather to prove to anyone down the line that change can occur if you push for it. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance artist in Orlando, which is to say I perform, direct, write, teach, build sets, make props, construct costumes, usher houses, create marketing strategies, and anything else you could think of that exists in the theatre. One of my greatest passions in the field though is working with puppetry. Heather Henson, who I have gotten to know through Facebook after dressing up as her father, Jim, once said “Puppetry is one of the most accessible art forms”, and I wholeheartedly agree. No matter your age, you can always enjoy the artistry, and no matter your ability, you can always learn the skill. Though I am far from being “known” as a puppet master, I do take great enjoyment in crafting and working with puppets large and small in our community, especially when I get to share and encourage that love with a younger generation. 

Any big plans?
Stability! I have been lucky to work exclusively in the theatrical field for the past eight years, but the pandemic was a large setback for sure. My hope and goal are to find my footing again as we continue to navigate a world which is constantly under stress. I work at a couple of the theme parks here in Orlando, and one of my biggest dreams is to become a show director here, that way I can help craft the stories that will be shared with people from all around the world. I’d also love to work as a casting director at some point, it would honor me to help find and select new talent to share with others. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jarrettpoore.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarrettpoore/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarrettpoore/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jarrettpoore/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHwkV0ciQf5Lz_P9ny7MVQ
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/orlandoartistguild/

Image Credits
Bee’s Photography
Ashleigh Ann Gardner