Close-up with Aisha Jackson, 2013 Theatre Arts and Dance Graduate
Career highlights:
Since moving to New York City in 2013, Jackson’s been cast in two Broadway plays — Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2014) and Waitress (2016). Her multiple off-Broadway and regional performances have included A Bronx Tale, a musical co-directed by Oscar-winner Robert DeNiro and four-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks. She’s also appeared with Broadway casts on The Today Show and the telecast of the 2016 Tony Awards. She’s pictured here performing at the April 2016 “Broadway Sings Whitney Houston” concert at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.
When she moved to New York:
“I arrived with less than $150, no place to stay and no day job lined up.”
Favorite place in New York City:
“The lake in Central Park located at East 90th and 5th Ave.”
The best career advice she's ever received:
“You can be broke at home or broke in New York pursuing your dreams.”
What being a "swing" in her Broadway debut meant:
“I had to learn the role of six characters and be ready to fill in if a regular cast member couldn’t perform her role due to illness, vacation or whatever. I ended up filling the role of five characters during the show’s run.”
On performing on Broadway:
“Eight shows a week; it’s your life! But I feel blessed that I haven’t had to have a day job since 2014. I’ve been able to sustain off of my dream.”
After a performance:
“I unwind by hanging out with my cast members or by eating apples and peanut butter while catching up on my favorite TV shows: Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder.”
Favorite thing to do on a day off:
“Sleep in!”
