We look to the past to shape our future. Who are you? Where are you going from here?

I’m Jessica Morton, currently a student at University of Maine at Augusta for the last stretch of my BA in Art. Here, I help TAM in the box office however I can, especially with my art. My hope is to take what I’ve learned from my experience in classes and here to become more independent in my first steps into the art world.

 What most excites you about being a part of TAM’s 50th Anniversary Season?

Although it’s rather small compared to many other talents here, I’m nonetheless thrilled at helping TAM during this exciting year!

We’re all about making old things new and new things classic. Why are you drawn to Classic Theatre? How do you shake it up?

Classic theatre is how the plays one reads come to life. Not everyone is able to craft the scenes written on the pages in their mind, and some others may appreciate the examples. Those most familiar with the classics can always look at them through another director’s interpretation.

Who inspires you and why?

Hirohiko Araki, because his art style throughout his manga series (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) is proof that you don’t have to be “perfect” in your skill to put your artistic stories out there.

You can have dinner with any three influential people. Who are your dream guests, why them, and what is the topic of conversation?

Tetsuya Nomura, Hiromu Arakawa, and J.R.R. Tolkien. All three of them because I love their stories (Kingdom Hearts, Fullmetal Alchemist, and The Lord of the Rings, respectively). Worldbuilding would probably be the first thing I’d bring to the table, and go from there.

What recent accomplishment are you most proud of?

UMA’s art faculty had purchased my senior thesis project (a painted graphic story) for its permanent collection, and it was well-received at the senior show reception. After many months of work, time, and fear, to find these two great outcomes was a humbling moment, in a way, and began to think better about my art skills.

What’s your super power?

Creativity!