This month marks the 5th anniversary for Jennifer L. Jones as a member of the American Shakespeare Center family.  For those of you who come to the Blackfriars Playhouse, her face is likely familiar.  Whether she's assisting a patron, managing the Box Office staff, or troubleshooting a maintenance issue, Jennifer is always ready to do what needs to be done to make each patron's visit to the ASC the best experience it can be.

In honor of her 5 year anniversary, we sat down with Jennifer to learn more about her:

Where are you from and what brought you to Staunton? 

I am originally from Montgomery, AL.  I moved to Staunton in 2003 with my now husband who attended the MLitt/MFA program at Mary Baldwin College. 

My first day in Staunton, I found out that I had something in common with ASC Co-Founder and Director of Mission, Dr. Ralph Alan Cohen.  He is also from Montgomery and we both went to Sidney Lanier High School. Go Poets!

When did you start working at the ASC and in what capacity and when did you become the Box Office Manager?  

My first day at ASC was December 18, 2006.  I started as a bartender that Holiday season.  I started working full time in the box office in March 2007, and I became Box Office Manager in October 2007.

What is your favorite part of your job?  

My favorite part of my job is talking to folks who are coming to the Blackfriars for the first time.  I love how excited people are to see our playhouse and our shows.

What is your favorite thing/part of the Blackfriars Playhouse?

 I don't know that I have a favorite part of the Playhouse itself, but my favorite part of being in the Playhouse is the Actors' Renaissance Season every year.  The performances that come out of those seasons are simply amazing. 

I still remember when we did Pericles in the 2007 Actors' Renaissance Season.  I hated Pericles when I read it, but I wanted to see the show anyway.  It was nothing short of magical.  I think I ended up watching Pericles four or five times that season.

What is the biggest change you've seen at ASC and/or in Staunton while you've been here?   

I have loved watching downtown Staunton grow over the last five years.

What is your favorite Shakespeare play and why?

Hamlet will always hold a special place in my heart.  It is the first Shakespeare play I remember seeing live, and the first show I memorized a soliloquy from.  

With which Shakespeare character do you most identify and why?  

If I had to pick, I guess Horatio.  He has a kind of blind loyalty to his friends that I (mostly) admire. 

What do you hope that people get out of their visits to the Blackfriars Playhouse?

I hope that people feel the passion that everyone at ASC has for what we do.  One of the greatest parts of working for ASC is getting to work with people who are passionate about what they do everyday.  To me, it makes the difference between a job and a career. 

When you're not at the ASC what do you like to do?  

I read (fiction); I spend time with my wonderful husband, Noah; and I watch ridiculous TV with my best friend, Christina.  As much as I enjoy the intellectual stimulation of working at ASC; when I go home, I like to turn my brain off.

Thank you, Jennifer, for being a part of what makes the American Shakespeare Center so special.

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