Jessica, Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University : Advize Career Interview
A career in musical theatre, as exemplified by the Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University, is a dynamic journey.
This individual's path showcases adaptability, transitioning from performance to teaching, establishing a voice studio, and ultimately leading a university program.
The role demands a diverse skillset: teaching, admissions, recruitment, mentorship, and even book writing.
A day involves teaching, committee work, departmental meetings, and independent projects, requiring exceptional time management and self-care.
Success requires advanced degrees, performance experience, vocal pedagogy expertise, and resilience.
The most rewarding aspects include working with talented students, witnessing their triumphs, and fostering the next generation of performers.
The biggest challenge is maintaining high energy while supporting students emotionally and academically. A key lesson learned is the importance of lifelong learning and adapting to industry changes.
The interviewee's story encourages pursuing passions, dispelling myths about limited career paths in the arts, and embracing the evolving landscape of musical theatre.
The experience of navigating a male-dominated field highlights the importance of finding one's voice while maintaining professionalism.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jessica Doyle-Mekkes
Head of Musical Theatre
East Carolina University
Central Michigan University, 2006
MM Vocal Performance/Opera, Central Michigan University 2017
Fine Arts, Music
Education
Creative
None Applicable
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
A Day in the Life of a Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University
Jessica's day as Head of Musical Theatre involves a balance of teaching ("I teach my intro to musical theater class...we were talking about posture and alignment"), committee work selecting productions ("figuring out who's going to direct what and what shows we think are going to sell well"), and departmental meetings focused on curriculum updates and future goals. This demanding schedule is complemented by their independent work coaching actors and writing "I'm Speaking: Every Woman's Guide to Finding Your Voice and Using it Fearlessly," often working on this book "between 5:00 AM and 6:30 AM."
Most Important Skills for a Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University
To succeed as Head of Musical Theatre, a strong singing voice and deep understanding of vocal pedagogy and musical theatre styles are crucial; the interviewee's own career path highlights the importance of advanced degrees (at least a master's), significant professional performance experience ("I worked for about a decade before... getting my master's"), and effective time management coupled with self-care, stressing that "all of that stuff is so essential to success."
Favorite Parts of Being a Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University
Jessica's favorite aspect of being Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University is being "literally surrounded by music all day" and working alongside "very good friends" as colleagues. The opportunity to nurture the "next generation of performers," witnessing their successes including Broadway debuts and Grammy nominations, is incredibly rewarding.
Significant Career Lesson From a Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University
Jessica, Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University, loves that her career allows her to "make a living doing what I love," creating worlds through storytelling in the theater. This passion fuels her mission to dispel the myth of limited career paths for artists, showcasing the versatility of arts training and the many fulfilling career options beyond the traditional "Broadway or community theater" dichotomy.
College Experiences That Helped a Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University Succeed
Jessica, Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University, cites "being a lifelong learner" as the most significant career lesson, emphasizing the continuous growth and adaptation needed in teaching and performance. This involves constantly updating techniques and remaining open to change, unlike those who become "outdated" by failing to add to their "toolbox."
Advizer Personal Links
www.jessicadoylemekkes.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadoyle-mekkes/, @jessicadoylemekkes