Meet Our Founder
Jessica Alvarado, also known as Ms A, is an actress, director, writer, producer and teaching artist. Since age 9, she knew she wanted to be an actress. Her comedic timing and knack for storytelling made her the center of attention among family and friends. A New York native, Jessica began pursuing her career at 16 years old by taking acting classes and auditioning for plays. Then, shortly after graduating high school, she was cast in a successful play called Platanos and Collard Greens. Touring to various college and universities during the week, and performing, in the city, on the weekends, Jessica felt her dreams came true. Since then, Jessica's dreams continue to evolve and manifest in ways she would've never imagined.
Her passion for youth development began in 2013 while working in after school program for Provident Inc, a St. Louis non profit organization centering on behavioral health. When Jessica learned the after school program did not have a theatre arts program, she decided to create one- The After School All Stars Theatre Company. She successfully engaged 60 youth ages 6-12 in theatre arts by, conceiving and implementing a STEAM based theatre arts curriculum. Five after school sites choose one of the following theatrical elements to study for 16 weeks: digital & media, acting, set design, costume design and sound design, which culminated into one main stage production of Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. However, her dedication did not stop there.
Every Saturday, she taught drama to economically challenged youth living in South St. Louis City, through a community arts project called Global Education through the Arts created by Cecilia Nadal, CEO of Gitana Productions. In 2017, she directed “Living the Dream” which uses four one-act plays, song, dance and slam poetry to explore issues of sibling and Facebook bullying, domestic violence, and the challenges facing young immigrant children. Her youth toured to places like the Missouri School for the Blind and St. Louis County Detention Center to promote acceptance and nonviolence.
Jessica's commitment to working with youth blossomed when she moved Los Angeles, California. In February 2019, Jessica combined her years of experience, knowledge and passion to create her own theatre arts education company- PEAK Theatre Arts! The mission? To cultivate youth as we examine the unknown and untold stories of our people and culture.
Education
University of Missouri- St. Louis
2017 Baccalaureate Educational Studies and a minor Theatre & Dance
Acting and Professional resume available upon request
