Conversations with the Inspiring Jennifer Lynne Jorgenson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Lynne Jorgenson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer Lynne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was a little, I have always had my eyes on something bigger than myself.

My journey with entertainment and performing arts started super young. I danced from ages 6 to about 13. I was never really into the rehearsals, but once I was on that stage, oh boy, I LIT UP! I have no idea where that passion came from, but I was in my element. My dad always got a kick out of it, because I was such a ham. I am sure that he just sat there in the audience and just laughed with joy.

I studied theatre and music in college and joined a small touring theatre company right after graduation.

It’s funny because when you are young, you think that the whole world is going to align up for you, and all of your wishes and dreams will come true automatically because you are ready for them. (Which is really silly to admit and really silly to think-but that is where I was at the time.) So, my life came crashing in shortly after joining that tour-as it abruptly ended, and I was back at home again with my parents.

After swallowing that pride pill, I began to audition again. I performed with many different theatre companies all over the front range. I even got an opportunity to travel and tour abroad with a small touring Children’s theatre in the UK. One of the most challenging and incredible experiences I have ever had to date.

After the theatre circuit in Denver, I grew tired of the grind and seemingly relentless rejection of not booking. I was also working as a barista in a few coffee shops, and had a moment that “This is not my life”.

I began focusing my energy on film acting and then decided to make a career out of that. The problem is, is that film acting is almost the same as theatre acting-in the sense that job opportunities are few and far between, especially in Denver. So, I threw caution into the wind and walked onto a set as an extra-announcing that I was a PA. I was quickly given a walkie and a BK headset. I was super green, super shy, and every moment away from breaking down into a hot mess. Luckily for me, Jared, my now husband, pulled me under his wing and helped me along the way that day. Little did I know that this “Jared kid” would be my forever partner in crime-helping and cheering me along the way.

Since then, I have clawed my way up the production ladder and grew into the producer I am today.

I am still very active in the acting world, however, I don’t necessarily have to sit and wait for my role to come to me… I can now produce my own content, where I can place myself in whatever role I want.

It’s amazing what doors open up to you when you decide to not fight back and just allow opportunities to come at you. Saying yes (within reason) and seeing where you will go is a powerful thing!

So, it’s funny-this something bigger is turning out way bigger than I had ever imagined. I am still choosing to learn and grow, as I still have so much to learn, but I am excited and incredibly grateful for each opportunity that has come my way.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I feel like all rewarding things will always be difficult. Life is hard in itself so that there will always be obstacles in the way.

I’ve dealt with a lot of personal internal struggle, dealing with things like lack of confidence when stepping onto a project. But I learned that everyone in the film industry follows this little rule: “Fake it until you make it.” Seriously, EVERYONE has stepped onto set, not having a clue how to do their specific job. With that said, there are still formal procedures to follow-like start as a PA and work your way up. You will find a lot more respect taking this route, and it makes you a well-rounded production guru.

It is also important to have a great attitude. You have control over how you feel, and how you respond to stressful situations. Everything in life is a choice. Yes, production is stressful, but looking at the larger picture-it is not brain surgery or rocket science. Yes, LOTS of money is involved, but it doesn’t mean that you should fly off the handle. Take a deep breath, give your brain and body oxygen, then start to problem solve.

A great question to always ask is “how can I help you?” People gravitate towards those who are wanting and willing to help them out with their project. In turn, you will find people wanting to help you out… it is a great tool to use!

I’ve also dealt with the struggle of being a woman in a very man led industry. I still find it difficult to work in situations where I am not as respected because of my gender. It is super frustrating, however, in those hard situations, I choose to put on a professional face and choose to find ways to collaborate. It is the attitude of how can we work together. I believe that one can earn more respect that way.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Producer. Actor. All Around Talent. story. Tell us more about the business.
Oh goodness. Never in a million years would I have believed anyone if they told me that I would go into producing from Acting.

All I wanted to be was an actor, and never did I expect to fall into the world of production-BUT I love it! Every second of it! I learned really quickly that I am pretty good at it, and it fits my personality really well (as crazy as that sounds)

But I won’t stop there. I love learning… I want to work in every department in production so that I can learn how to better produce a production. Every department has its own quirks and needs, if I am able to learn those, I can be a sharper producer. Eventually, one day, I will produce my own content. I want to be that production company that everyone wants to work for.

I like to tell people, I do it all. It’s fun for me to see different people run into me in various stages of production-then ask if it was, in fact, me helping with another part of production. For example, I work in casting with a local CSA in town, I am an independent producer, I audition and book on a regular basis, I still PA from time to time, and I am beginning to dabble into Production Managing, which is still intimidating, but good for me to spread my wings and fly.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Ha.

One very specific memory is coming to mind right now, so I guess that means I must share it…

I was in 6th or 7th grade, and my class was studying the “Roaring Twenties”, the era were assembly lines really become the new way of consumer production. My class was challenged to make a small Christmas ornament (or something like that) for our parents. We had to successfully assemble the ornament in an assembly line. Very early in the process, I found a lot of flaws with our system, and I jumped in and helped to organize the line. In hindsight, I probably was very bossy and obnoxious-however, I remember my classmates stopped to listen and respected what I had to offer. Some even quickly asked if what they were doing was accurate-as if I was the boss. It was a very weird feeling, but a moment where I realized that I have leadership skills.

Another memory I have was when I was in 3rd grade. We had to put together a short play talking about the planet, and the importance of taking care of it. I had a very, VERY small role, maybe 3 lines at the most. My character was a woman who was either concerned with pollution-or completely oblivious about pollution (I cannot remember those specifics). But I went ALL OUT for the role. My mom helped me source a costume (i.e. her closet) and I wore a large flowy red polka-dot dress, a hat, a purse and her heels that clacked behind me. Looking back now, I was WAY overacting, however, I OWNED the stage! And I remember chuckles from the audience after I walked off of the stage, while my heels had the last word. My teacher came up to my mom and told her that there was something special about me.

It is almost ridiculous thinking about these stories from my past-but I guess that they were really small trinkets of what was to come.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: jenniferlynnejorgenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.l.jorgenson
• Twitter: jenjorgy
• Other: imdb.me/jenniferlynnejorgenson

Image Credit:
Kyle Woodiel, Jen Jorgenson, Jared Petsche, Jordan Singer

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.