Ferndale High Alum: Need It Produced? Ask Jules

California Institute of the Arts student Julanne (Jules) Jacobs has studied in Toronto and in London and now wants to bring her insights back home.

Jacobs, a 2003 Ferndale High School graduate, was recently in London completing an internship along with working on her Masters of Fine Arts in Theater Producing and Stage Management. She was able to work as an Assistant Producer with respected international producer and teacher Tanja Raaste of Nordic Nomad Productions.

The experience involved helping to develop a Tango trip to Spain, going to plays and attending networking meetings with various theater artists in London. Jacobs said she learned what it takes to run and sustain an independent business with creative projects both in and outside the theatre.

Jacobs graduated from Wayne State University in 2008 and is currently a Master’s student at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Valencia, CA. And she already has loads of experience in theatrical entertainment.  She has stage managed over a dozen productions, designed and built sets, overseen costumes, lighting and sound as well as directed numerous plays.

After receiving her master’s degree, Jacobs’ goal is to open an emerging artist center in Detroit - a space where young artists and early career arts professionals could collaborate with one another.

When home in southeastern Michigan, Jacobs spends her time talking with people about their artistic projects, learning about what they’re doing, how they’re doing it and where they need help. “This alone has been a really exciting adventure, meeting new people and building my network of passionate Detroit artists.”

At FHS, she was in every theater production every year, in wind ensemble, marching band, and various choirs. Jacobs credits FHS vice principal and former music director Roger Smith and retired FHS theatre teacher Linda Murley with helping to focus her passions. They gave her the confidence to make a career in bringing people together around the arts.

Murley recalled that Jacobs “enthusiasm and energy can be contagious.” She said Jacobs was a “whirlwind,” having high goals and dreams and being willing to chase after them to make them come true. 

"(Jacobs) was one of the most involved students I’ve taught," Smith said. "Always willing to go the extra mile on behalf of her fellow students.”  He said Jacobs was the type of student who not only had wonderful ideas but the energy and passion to carry them out. 

After high school, Jacobs founded Purple Onion Productions (POP), a company for students to showcase their own artwork including original plays, films, music and visual art. Jacobs coordinated about six student-written and performed plays each summer while working on her Bachelor of Arts degree at WSU. She used Ferndale churches and libraries for rehearsals and performances. “We averaged 200 audience members over one weekend run and by the end of the company’s five years had close to 300 students participate,” said Jacobs.

Student _ (former POP writer, director and cast member) credits Jacobs with creating a valuable formative environment.   ”It showed me just how much I love creating works of art with like-minded people.”  

POP provided Jacobs invaluable hands-on experience in organizing and producing projects.  “The Ferndale community was fantastic, 100 at a time sitting in stuffy hot church basements cheering on the students’ self-produced original artwork. That company taught me more than any classroom could,” said Jacobs.

While she was away in Toronto, Los Angeles and London, Jacobs’ mother Connie, who still works with _, kept her up-to-date on local cultural news.

“Her dedication to the community alone is a wonderful reminder of the power of people coming together to support artists," Jacobs said about her mother.

Growing up in Ferndale’s diverse community positively impacted Jacobs she said.

“In my travels, I have been shocked to meet so many people that are oblivious to various cultures and life-styles because they grew up in such a homogenous neighborhood,” she said. “Without that exposure, I doubt I would be as passionate about creating and supporting communities.”

Jacobs said she's excited, as she gets closer to starting an emerging artists center in downtown Detroit.  She expects as Detroit grows, that Ferndale will become home to more arts and creative entrepreneurs.  “On multiple occasions, I have gone to meet up with various Detroit artists and end up in Ferndale to discuss plans,” said Jacobs.

“Her outstanding work ethic, sense of humor, willingness to take risks and passion” is what endears her to people, Smith said.  “She was fun to be around and I know she will continue to inspire others to be creative, dedicated contributors wherever she works.”

Well said, Roger.

 Jacobs (julannejacobs@gmail.com) is interested in hearing from anyone interested in an emerging artists center in Detroit.

For additional information, http://www.julannejacobs.com