Jessica Frey (Theatre, ’06) is now playing the role of Margaret Dashwood in the critically acclaimed production of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, adapted for the stage by Kate Hamill and playing now through November 20, 2016 at Bedlam. She earned a BFA in Acting at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU) in 2008. In addition to acting, she stays busy teaching in the Atlantic Acting School, takes part in a sketch group called Uncle Function, and does monologue and on-camera coaching for aspiring actors.
“The professors I met at BMCC, especially Professor Dowling, were so supportive and so over-qualified with their knowledge of the NYC theatre scene,” Frey says. “It was so helpful to me. They went above and beyond to help me get into the program at NYU Tisch, they helped me chose audition monologues and advised me. My advice to theatre students at BMCC today is to get as much information as you can from yout professors at BMCC, they are an undeniable resource in aiding you in the professional educational world.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of BMCC?
A: I had the best time working on all the productions. The facilities at BMCC (The Tribeca Performing Arts Center) are amazing, and the faculty is even better.
Q: How did BMCC help you get where you are today?
A: I had a great mentor in the form of my theatre professor, Diane Dowling. She absolutely went above and beyond. With her coaching and advice, I was accepted into NYU’s Tisch Drama program. I cannot thank her and the rest of the faculty at BMCCenough for their attention and their dedication to my growth.
Q: What advice do you have for today’s BMCC students?
A: I would say to take advantage of the wealth of resources available to you at BMCC. Unlike many other (far more expensive) institutions, at BMCC you have a faculty that is hungry to help and to teach. Listen to them.
Q: Why is it important for alumni to stay involved with BMCC?
A: As silly as it may sound, appreciating your path in life is a beautiful thing. For me, BMCC was a very important and unexpected path in my life, and I don’t want to forget that.
