Meet Jasmine Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Thomas.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Decatur, GA and grew up in Lilburn, GA. My parents let me and my older sister experience all sorts of extracurricular activities and hobbies while we were growing up. My mom has always been a huge advocate for the arts, and one of the activities I remember doing the most was African Dance with Uhuru Dancers. Performing has been present in my life for as long as I can remember. I was in my first school play in 5th grade, and the rest was history. I got involved in community theatre in middle school, and once I reached high school, I was performing in plays with them almost every semester until I graduated. During high school, I never thought I would want to pursue acting as a career. The event that changed my mind was when I was accepted into the Governor’s Honors Program as a Theatre Major in 2010, and I spent six weeks in Valdosta, GA expanding my skills in theatre and gaining knowledge about the business.

Fast forward a year later, I got accepted to attend University of Georgia. I performed in several productions through in the Theatre department, but when I was not in a mainstage or Black Box show, I would be involved with our student theatre groups which I absolutely adored. I learned a lot through these student groups, and it definitely filled me with even more drive and passion to go out and share my skills with the world. When I was in my junior year of college, I wanted to experience Arts Administration a little bit more, so I applied and was offered an intern position with a great Broadway producing company in New York City for the summer. I was SO broke, but I somehow made it work with help from my parents and friends that were already in the city. I learned a lot and brought that knowledge back with me to Georgia. I graduated in May of 2015 with a B.A. in Theatre and a minor in French. These two combinations may seem wild to most, but I come from a family where my parents always told my sister and me to basically follow our dreams and to do what makes us happy. After graduating, I accepted an acting apprenticeship with Horizon Theatre Company in Atlanta for the year of 2015-2016.

Once I was done with the program, I started auditioning and submitting for different shows at different theatres around Atlanta. Aside from auditioning, I’ve found a love for teaching and have been a Teaching Artist at Alliance Theatre for almost three years. I’m thankful for the opportunities that I’ve been given over these past few years and have had the privilege to perform with theatres like the Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Aurora Theatre, Horizon Theatre Company, Théâtre du Rêve, Synchronicity Theatre, Serenbe Playhouse, Weird Sisters Theatre Project and several more. Although theatre is my passion, I recently signed with Alexander White Agency, and I am now exploring the Film/TV/Commercial side of the business. I’m excited to see where this will take me!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Sometimes when I would get my “thanks but no thanks email” or give a bad audition, it made me think I wasn’t good enough or I would take it very personally, but at the end of the day, different directors and casting directors are looking for something specific. I’ve learned that it’s ok if I don’t fit into that box this time. In this industry, we hear “no” a lot, but once you get that “yes”, all of the hard work pays off. I’ve told myself that giving up is not an option. You learn from your mistakes, apply the note and show them what you can do the next time. Acting is an ever-changing craft that you never stop learning from, and I also had to realize that especially since I’m still rather new to the industry/business. I’m always ready for the next challenge/struggle because I know it’ll make me a stronger artist and person in the long run.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an Actress and Teaching Artist in Atlanta, GA. I mostly perform in straight plays and Theatre for Young Audiences/Theatre for the Very Young. I’m proud of all the different characters I’ve been able to portray. They have all been so different which has made me work hard towards being the versatile actor I’ve always wanted to be.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe my drive sets me apart from others and has played a huge role of getting me to where I am today. Once I moved to Atlanta, I researched all the theatres in town and their seasons to see which shows I could fit in, and I would submit myself for those shows so that the least I could do was get in the room with all of these amazing theatres and put my best foot forward. Now, I still take note of every season and continue to submit myself for productions I would fit or would like to be a part of. The work never stops, and it’s exciting!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jasminegracethomas.weebly.com
• Email: jasminegrace34@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jasminegt34

Image Credit:
Casey Gardner Photography, Greg Mooney, BreeAnne Clowdus, David Woolf

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