Check out Jessica Moneà Evans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Moneà Evans.

Jessica, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
When I was eight years old, a family member approached and asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” My response? “An ENTERTAINER!” I didn’t really know what that meant at the time, but the moment it rolled off my tongue, I meant it. My parents had a tremendous influence in cultivating my passion and dedication to my craft. Growing up, I admired my dad’s strength, work ethic and the way he went about executing tasks; regardless of the challenges or lack of resources, there was always a solution. My mom was always the strategist – the brains of the operation – the one who utilized logic when executing any task. With those forces combined they created ME, an artistic workaholic, who had her mind set on being a passionate creative human being. I see myself as a chameleon who takes creativity to another level.

I hold a BFA in professional theater with and emphasis in acting from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Though my concentration was in acting I was interested in creating and managing the entire production. I became proficient in lighting, design, management and producing. Recognizing these skills, my school’s theater department selected me as stage manager for a major mainstage production. In this role, I found my true calling, as I was able to combine all of my creative and technical skills to ensure the show’s success. I continued my training through the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) MFA program where I continued to hone my skills through the creation and production of original and experimental works. I became founding board member of the CalArts Collective, a Black arts program created under the tutelage of James Avery and Denise Woods. After CalArts I was recruited by the American Conservatory Theater with the support of Susan Solt and Tyrone Davis to serve as the first general and company manager fellow. My return to Los Angeles opened several new opportunities for theatrical and commercial management and performance including CBS, The Independent Shakespeare Company, Afro Funk Dance Fitness, Heidi Duckler Dance and a tour through Asia, giving me the opportunity to perform and teach dance for a variety of audiences and companies. 

Currently as the Education and Engagement Director Heidi Duckler Dance, I’m producing a slate of community engagement projects including rehabilitation workshops at the California Institution for Women in Chino, a health and wellness dance residency at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital Campus in Willowbrook, and dance education workshops for LAUSD. Being able to use dance for healing while producing large scale events have combined all my love of performance, producing and community building.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am an interdisciplinary artist. My primary focus is dance and movement with a concentration of social awareness and personal development. I use art therapy techniques to induce emotional and physical wellness while passing down the legacy and historical traditions of African dance. In addition, I specialize in educational development and community outreach, directing and managing several dancers, artists and companies.

Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
We are being suppressed by many influences from a capitalistic system that forces people to live in solitude or feel “less than.” Mental health has also been a major issue of importance for me; however, I feel that mental health issues in our community have become an epidemic these days due to authoritarian and supremacist practices affecting major institutions across this country. The financial and social barriers of modern life are often not conducive to the artist’s lifestyle.

Offering unrestricted grants to creatives and affordable housing for those taking strides to elevate in their creative career would be a huge plus. The good news is we are beginning to make our voices heard, and with additional support from our mentors and leaders, we can begin to make real progress.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Every Monday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 6:30pm, I teach Afrofunk Dance Fitness at the Heartbeat House.   A cardio fitness class that fuses African-inspired dance with movement affirmations. Feel from to come out and TAKE THE GOOD STUFF IN AND DANCE THE BAD STUFF OUT! 

3141 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Class Sign up- http://heartbeathouse.net/classes-schedule/

On Sunday, August 18, 2019, I’m hosting an Aquarius Moon Cleanse workshop with my colleague Kate Eipl. This workshop will allow you to connect with your inner self as we integrate cardio movement, intention setting, yoga, and sound baths. Proceeds from this event go towards creating community outreach programs for underserved communities in 2020.

Sunday, August 18, 20219
Moon Cleanse
4118 Los Nietos Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/2262981600459170/?ti=icl
Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2ROrnNS

Saturday, August 24, 2019
Heidi Duckler Dance – Stay Awake
6 pm bring food to share
7:30 pm performance

Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Center Campus
Free – RSVP link: hdd_stayawake.eventbrite.com
Wilmington Ave. & 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059
Front Lawn – Free parking in Structure A

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessicamoneaevans.com/
• Instagram: https://imggram.org/profile/jayemonea/146272372
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/public/Jessica-Monea-Evans