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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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