Jess Thigpen Teaching Artist
About
Due to my versatile professional and educational background I am very skilled at tailoring lessons to individual needs, skill level, and ages.
I work as professional actor and I love that the type of jobs I undertake are always different. I have traveled with Shakespeare companies, worked as voice talent on podcasts and filmed tv projects. It’s wonderful to be able to do lots of different types of projects.
As a professor, I teach acting, movement for actors and dialects for actors at Loyola Univeristy where I have taught for 3 years now.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I have experience working with children from 4-18 years of age. I also have experience working with adults and am currently a part time professor at Loyola University. I am very skilled at tailoring lessons to any skill level.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 15 years of professional experience as a working actor in theatre, film, tv, and voice-over.
I completed my graduate work at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where I graduated with distinction and earned an MA in Classical and Contemporary Text, Acting.
My undergraduate work was completed at North Central College in Naperville, where I graduated with a BA in Musical Theatre.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My usual rate for private coaching is $75 for a 45 min coaching or $125 for a 75 min coaching. However, I always offer a discounted rate of $40/45mins to students for the first class, so we can get to know each other and you can feel confident I am the right coach for what you are working on.
Please contact me for class rates.
How did you get started teaching?
As a working actor I believe that your training never ends and I am constantly challenging myself to get better at all aspects of my craft. I found early on that what helps me thrive the most as a performer is by constantly sharing what I have learned with others and doing my best to help them grow.
What types of students have you worked with?
I began teaching at adults and teens at Act One Studios Chicago after completing their certificate program in Acting. At the same time I was working as the Lead Pre-school teacher for StageCoach Theatricals in Chicago. For the last 10 years I have taught in a variety of venues. Currently I am a part time professor at Loyola University in Chicago.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I spent the last 3 months traveling all over Montana performing in a production of Twelfth Night and teaching Shakespeare workshops to middle school and high school students. It was a real honor to be able to perform and teach such enthusiastic students, many of which had never seen any form of theatre before.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Choose to work with a teacher that challenges you in positive ways and inspires you to do your best.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What areas do you want to grow in? What is your learning style? What types of activities help you learn the best?