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Jobsite Marks 10 Years Of Putting Heart Into Theater
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Published: March 30, 2008
TAMPA - The Jobsite Theater was born from a seed of passion: a deep love for the artistry that has kept its stage lights burning since 1998.
The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center's resident theater company has carved a distinctively alternative niche for itself as both a haven for artists and a home for some of the most cutting-edge productions in theater.
It's a method that clearly works; Jobsite recently announced its 2008-09 season, marking the company's 10-year anniversary - a rare feat for any grassroots effort.
"We really based the company off Steppenwolf in Chicago - a company by, for and about artists. We wanted our material and approach to be guided by our sensibilities and not necessarily by a governing body or board of nonartists," says David M. Jenkins, Jobsite's artistic director.
"None of us are getting paid enough to not do this if our hearts weren't in it. If we didn't love what we were doing, most of us wouldn't be doing it."
The "we" Jenkins is referring to are five guys in their mid-20s - recent college graduates with theater backgrounds - who wanted to do a show. In 1998, after scrounging for a venue, Jenkins, Jason Evans, Alan Fessenden, John Lott and Mike Caban performed their first two plays at Ybor City's Silver Meteor Gallery.
Jenkins cited the gallery's owners for giving them the opportunity that no one else would, but the group's members deserve equal, if not more, credit for their success.
"I thought these kids showed real promise," says Michael Murphy, co-founder of Silver Meteor Gallery. "They seemed to have a really good plan to start off small, with a few shows a year, and build from there. These kids were talented and had a presence about themselves from Day One."
Following several well-received performances, they outgrew the gallery space and set their sights on finding a larger venue. In 1999, after landing a role in a production at the performing arts center, Jenkins agreed to accept the job only if the center offered the group space to perform its own shows.
His chutzpah resulted in after-hours access to the center's Off Center Theater (now the Shimberg Playhouse).
"They were such young, committed artists. They had a vision. I loved their collaborative ensemble approach to the company," center President Judith Lisi says.
"It was like the old acting companies. And the fact that they're home-grown artists was important. They should have a place in the community."
Eventually, the center began co-producing Jobsite's plays and in 2003 offered the group a permanent home at the Shimberg. The residency has allowed Jobsite to grow exponentially, bringing higher-quality shows, more financial stability, long-term planning options and visibility.
Through continued financial and artistic support, the company is realizing its original goal of forming a collective of artists from all disciplines. Actors, choreographers, visual artists, dancers, composers, filmmakers and anyone interested in theater are encouraged to get involved in productions. Jobsite has also mapped out plans to add stages for fledgling theater companies and hold more play readings for actors and playwrights who want to develop their craft. Witness paying it forward in action.
"I'm so proud of them. They've grown so much," Lisi says. "I feel like they were birthed, and now they're just doing great."
2008-09 SEASON
For information on season and individual tickets, go online to jobsitetheater.org.
Sept. 11-28 - "Blackbird," by David Harrower. Intense psychodrama about a shared past looks at troubling issues such as pubescent sexuality and pedophilia.
Oct. 8-24 - "The History of the Devil," by Clive Barker. In an epic courtroom drama, the devil is up for parole.
Jan. 8-25 - "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," by Steve Martin. Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso muse about the 20th century's achievements and prospects.
March 19-April 5, 2009 - "The Lieutenant of Inishmore," by Martin McDonagh. Black comedy is about a ruthless Irish National Liberation Army enforcer and his cat.
June 4-21, 2009 - "Rabbit Hole," by David Lindsay Abaire. A life-shattering accident leaves a couple drifting apart and seeking comfort.
Aug. 6-23, 2009 - "Pericles," by Joe Popp. In a rock musical set in modern-day New Jersey, Pericles is caught in a web of intrigue, incest and the mafia.
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