Kate Jaskolski
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Passionate Artistic Director with a love for community-engagement and empowerment. Excellent communication and planning abilities with a background in Applied and Outreach performance and international experience.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Inclusive Theatre Director
Fusion Theatre
Melbourne, Australia
01.2023 - Current
- Created a curated community-engaged theatre program that partnered 20+ performers with disabilities with professional artists
- Collaborated with community organizations and advocacy groups to expand access to inclusive theatre opportunities.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility throughout all stages of production planning and execution.
- Championed diversity within the theatre company, leading to a more inclusive range of productions and talent representation.
Director of Education & Community Outreach
Moresby Arts Theatre
Port Moresby, Papua New Guiena
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Established the Youth Arts Programme, partnering 500+ local students and teachers with professional arts activists to create 25 original performances.
- Mentored and provided professional development opportunities for actors and crew members, nurturing their artistic growth
- Collaborated with choreographers, musicians, and other artistic collaborators to create a cohesive and inclusive production.
- Negotiated contracts with designers, technicians, actors, and other key personnel to ensure smooth operations behind the scenes.
- Increased audience attendance through engaging marketing campaigns that showcased the artistic talent of the ensemble.
- Unified various departments to ensure a cohesive vision and successful execution of productions.
- Implemented strategic planning initiatives that led to long-term success and sustained funding for the organization.
- Facilitated communication between all team members, fostering a positive work environment for creativity to thrive.
Deputy Venue Manager
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Edinburgh, Scotland
01.2003 - 08.2020
- Supervisor, Lighting Designer & Technician for 8 simultaneous performance spaces throughout the festival, contributing to the success of 40+ repertory performances.
- Maintained safety in high-stress situations by effectively diffusing conflicts and providing clear instructions.
- Assisted in budget planning and management, allocating resources strategically for optimal department performance.
- Collaborated with artistic directors to develop compelling and successful theatre programs.
- Coordinated marketing efforts for upcoming shows, increasing ticket sales and audience engagement.
Theatre & Performance Lecturer
University Of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
02.2016 - 03.2020
- Lecturer & Facilitator for Applied & Educational Theatre in Devising, Acting and Directing
- Facilitator & Tutor for Intro to Theatre & Performance, Adaptions, World Drama and Pedagogy
- Boosted overall department performance by mentoring junior faculty members and sharing best practices.
- Contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field by publishing research articles in peer-reviewed journals.
- Established industry connections for students by organizing guest speaker events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Strengthened department reputation by presenting at conferences, serving on committees, and participating in professional organizations.
- Evaluated student progress using both formative and summative assessments to provide targeted feedback for continuous improvement.
- Pioneered inclusive theatre collaboration with undergrad students & adults with disabilities
- Directed & facilitated undergraduate performances for World Drama, Directing, Adaptations, Film & Screen Masterclasses, Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Inclusive theatre
- Supervised thesis projects for 4th year BFA and Applied Masters student
Founding Artistic Director
The Oasis Association
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Pioneered theatre programs for adults with disabilities creating and touring 4 original performances to highlight job skills.
- Secured funding for the organization through successful grant applications, donor cultivation, and fundraising events.
- Mentored emerging artists by providing guidance on career development, performance techniques, and industry opportunities.
Teaching Artist & Facilitator
The Mothertongue Project
McGregor, South Africa
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Created toolkit for early childhood development play sessions within Early Years Theatre
- Co-facilitated the creation of 8 Original Early Years Theatre performances for touring
- Created multisensory inclusive theatre for children with profound disabilities.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased engagement and understanding.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on effective instructional techniques and classroom management practices.
Founding Artistic Director
Children’s Development Centre
Lagos, Nigeria
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Established the artistic vision and direction for the organization by developing unique productions, events, and educational programs
- Devised & performed 5 original inclusive theatre productions, touring to schools and centers around Nigeria
- Increased audience engagement by implementing innovative marketing strategies and community outreach initiatives.
- Performed for the British Council Lagos Theatre Festival
- Enhanced organizational reputation by consistently producing high-quality performances that garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
- Evaluated performance metrics such as ticket sales data audience feedback surveys to identify trends make informed decisions about future programming choices modifications required existing offerings.
- Launched successful youth education outreach program introducing new generations importance appreciation live theater-related activities fostering sense curiosity exploration among students.
- Organized Houston tour for 25 adults with disabilities for a 10-day international arts exchange program including workshops, performances, and all logistics
- Pioneered theatre programs for students with disabilities
- Standardized teacher training, curriculum planning, assessment tools, and documentation.
Prison Theatre Facilitator
Second Chance Theatre
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Assisted in pioneer theatre program for 30 incarcerated and parolees at Pollsmoor Prison.
- Managed logistics for collaborative arts and social justice initiative with the National Institute for Crime Prevention and Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO).
- Contributed to improved team performance by facilitating workshops on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving techniques.
- Increased participant engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into sessions.
Inclusive Theatre Facilitator
Hijinx Theatre
Cardiff, Wales & Maseru, Lesothoi
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Organized logistics, co-directed & devised cross-cultural Inclusive performances, workshops, and tours between local Basotho communities and Welsh actors with Down Syndrome.
- Organized and implemented 2-week intensive trip from Wales to Lesotho, touring orphanages, protective workshops, group homes, schools, and international NPOs as a professional inclusive theatre company.
- Mentored aspiring actors and provided constructive feedback, fostering strong performance skills for future roles.
Artistic Director
Westside Inclusive Theatre
Houston, Texas
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Created and Implemented a peer-tutoring curriculum for over 50 performers within an inclusive company
- Established the artistic vision and direction for the organization by developing unique productions, events, and educational programs aligned with a vision of creating allies and advocacy
- Built a strong team of dedicated professionals through effective recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation processes, ensuring optimal productivity.
- Oversaw all aspects of production management including set design construction; lighting sound; costume wardrobe coordination; rehearsal schedules; cast crew communication.
- Advocated for the importance of arts education and cultural programming within the community by participating in public speaking engagements or panel discussions at conferences events.
- Directed youth-created performances using the nationalization of classic texts, student interests, and integrated arts biannually
- Guided a completely inclusive, equal opportunity creative rehearsal space wherein every aspect of the performance was executed by a member of the company for 5 shows every season
Theatre Arts Teacher
Westside High School
Houston, Texas
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Developed curriculum for acting, technical theatre, and performance
- Directed 25+ student-centered productions, including classics, musicals, and student-written
- Documented and assessed work of over 450 students yearly from varying backgrounds
- Engaged in cross-curricular planning with Fine Arts and English
- Facilitated state-mandated assessments.
- Collaborated with other Theatre Arts Teachers to coordinate cross-curricular activities and performances, promoting a well-rounded education.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication and involvement in school events, fostering a supportive educational community.
- Served on curriculum development committees to revise existing courses or design new ones that met evolving educational standards in the field of Theatre Arts education.
Lighting Designer
LiveNation
United States
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Delivered outstanding designs within tight deadlines, ensuring seamless transitions between scenes and smooth production runs for over 150 local and touring performances, including corporate and private events.
- Led teams back stage and in load-in/out as an in-house electrician, deck manager and crew.
- Collaborated in touring crews to ensure safe, budget-aligned performances.
Stage Manager
Dublin Fringe Festival of the Arts
Dublin, Ireland
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Enhanced production quality by implementing efficient stage management techniques and processes for 5 repertory shows throughout the festival.
- Lighting Designer & Stage Manager.
- Streamlined communication between departments, venues and performers for smoother rehearsal and production processes.
- Collaborated with directors and producers to achieve desired artistic vision for productions.
- Lead and managed a team of 20+ venue technicians.
Education
Ph.D. - Applied Theatre
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa2021
Master of Arts - Theatre Education
New York University
New York2013
Bachelor of Arts - Directing And Theatrical Production
Pepperdine University
Malibu, California 2008
Skills
- Artistic Collaboration & Active Listening
- Audience Engagement
- Marketing, Promotion & Fundraising Strategies
- Planning & Schedule Management
- Performance Evaluations
- Lighting & Technical Design
- Team Leadership
- Community Outreach
Affiliations
- Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE)
- International Inclusive Arts Network (IIAN)
- International Theatre for Young Audiences Research Network (ITYARN)
- International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ)
Publications
- How to be a Superhero: Stories of Creating a Culture of Inclusion through Theatre, University of Cape Town, 2021
- Aesop’s Idols: Nationalization of Classic Texts to Create a Culture of Inclusion, ArtsPraxis, 8, 1, 2021
- The Mothertongue Project Early Years Toolkit, Mothertongue Project and UCT, 2019
- Discovering a Planet of Inclusion: Drama for Life-skills in Nigeria, ArtsPraxis, 4, 1, 38-53, 2017
- Classic Texts with Inclusive Drama for Education and Theatre for Life Skills, ASSITEJ Cradle of Creativity, 53, 2017
References
- Anthony Wallin, Houston Independent School District, tonywallin@comcast.net, +1(713) 854-5601
- Dr. Yinka Akinadayomi, Children’s Developmental Centre, cdclagos9ja@gmail.com, +234 818 625-1881
- Dr. Sara Matchett, University of Cape Town, Sara.matchett@uct.ac.za, +27 (0)21 650 7120
- Terri Elliot, University of Cape Town, Terri.elliott@uct.ac.za, +27 (0)21 650 712
Certification
Teaching Licensure K-12 Theatre Arts, Special Education & English in New Mexico & Texas
Timeline
Inclusive Theatre Director
Fusion Theatre
01.2023 - Current
Director of Education & Community Outreach
Moresby Arts Theatre
01.2020 - 01.2023
Prison Theatre Facilitator
Second Chance Theatre
01.2018 - 01.2019
Founding Artistic Director
The Oasis Association
01.2017 - 01.2020
Inclusive Theatre Facilitator
Hijinx Theatre
01.2017 - 01.2018
Theatre & Performance Lecturer
University Of Cape Town
02.2016 - 03.2020
Teaching Artist & Facilitator
The Mothertongue Project
01.2016 - 01.2020
Founding Artistic Director
Children’s Development Centre
01.2013 - 01.2020
Artistic Director
Westside Inclusive Theatre
01.2009 - 01.2013
Theatre Arts Teacher
Westside High School
01.2009 - 01.2013
Lighting Designer
LiveNation
01.2008 - 01.2012
Stage Manager
Dublin Fringe Festival of the Arts
01.2008 - 01.2009
Deputy Venue Manager
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
01.2003 - 08.2020
Ph.D. - Applied Theatre
University of Cape Town
Master of Arts - Theatre Education
New York University
Bachelor of Arts - Directing And Theatrical Production
Pepperdine University