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Jessie Jo Aka is an actress based in NYC – but she’s currently touring the country with WICKED as the Glinda and Nessarose cover! Jo Aka was inspired to perform after seeing a production of “MULAN JR.” as a child, and ended up playing Chip in the youth version of “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” at that same theatre. Later, she pursued a degree in journalism at ASU, serving as the president of the ASU chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association, before returning to the performing arts. Now, Jo Aka is understudying her dream roles, and has starred as Wendla in “SPRING AWAKENING” opposite Casey Likes. Her advice to young artists? “Above all, be kind. This industry can be tough, even when first starting. Kindness goes a long way.”Read on to learn more aboutJessie Jo Aka and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!
Name: Jessie Jo Aka
Heritage: Okinawa American
Hometown: Mesa, AZ
Current City: I’m currently on the road with “WICKED”, but I’ve lived in NYC for the past four years. That’s home to me!
Current project: I’m in the ensemble of the Broadway National Tour of “WICKED” where I understudy Glinda and Nessarose.
What are some of your favorite credits/projects?
I had the opportunity to play Wendla in “SPRING AWAKENING” opposite my dear friend Casey Likes. That was one of the most challenging, yet rewarding experiences I’ve had so far in my career. I hold a very special place in my heart for that character. Wendla reminds me of a butterfly, so now whenever I see them flittering around I think of her.
Any advice for young people getting into the arts?
Say yes to all kinds of performing opportunities! Shows, concerts, cabarets, ensemble, principals. Every opportunity to practice counts when you are first getting started. Take advantage of streaming Broadway shows and cast recording albums to learn from the best. Above all, be kind. This industry can be tough, even when first starting. Kindness goes a long way.
How did you get your start?
I lived in Michigan as a little girl. When I was eight years old, my mom and dad took me to see a youth theatre production of “MULAN JR.” at a nearby community theatre, Starlight Theatre. The young girl playing Mulan was actually Asian! Which in hindsight is incredibly special considering that was not typical during the early 2000s in the Midwest. After the show, I looked at my parents and said, “I don’t want to be in the seats, I want to be up there.” The next month that same theatre had auditions for“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”. I landed my first role as Chip!
Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you'd like to share?
The first time I went on as Nessarose in “WICKED”, I debuted mid-show. Stage management made the announcement during intermission while I was getting ready for my ensemble Act 2 track. The jolt of adrenaline I felt was like lightning! Everyone burst into action. I ran to Nessa’s dressing room and started getting ready while going over my lines in my head. My hair was wig-prepped in pin curls, but since Nessa uses her own hair, I had to take it out. Sue Cella, our lovely Madame Morrible, even helped me take out my pin curls since we were in a time crunch! I went on as Nessa for Act 2 and it was so special. I was so proud of myself in that moment, proud of the work that I had put in, and proud to be a part of such a supportive cast.
What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?
Hmmm this one is hard, but I would say one of the biggest challenges I have faced would be not allowing how others see me to affect the way I see myself. The honest truth is that showbiz has a lot to do with how others view you – how directors view you, how casting views you – and that is HARD. You have to hold onto your convictions and fight for yourself. When I first moved to the city, I was told I wasn’t a Glinda because I “didn’t have her look.” I felt such a kinship to this character that I spent the next few years rehearsing her material, proving to myself and others that anyone can be Glinda. Look at me now! Understudying my absolute dream role!
Did you always want to be in the arts or did you have another path before you got here?
In my heart, I always wanted to pursue music theatre, but I actually went to school for journalism. I have a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University. I had the honor of being the president of the ASU chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association, which continued to light my fire to share Asian American stories. On weekdays, I was an anchor and reporter for my student newscast that aired on Arizona PBS. I have a passion for news and storytelling. I’m a big believer that everyone deserves access to the truth and the freedom to think critically for themselves.
How do you deal with performance anxiety?
Performance anxiety is so natural! One of my favorite sayings to live by is “do it scared.” Even if you feel anxious, channel that energy into your performance. You either do it scared or you don’t do it at all.
If you could name one point in time when everything changed for you, what was it?
My entire life trajectory changed when I was first introduced to theatre at Starlight Theatre in Michigan. Not only did that theatre introduce me to my purpose, but it also showed me what the theatre community could and should be. Everyone in that building treated each other like family. They lifted me up, they took me under their wings, and they made an eight-year-old girl feel like she belonged. Thomas Logan, my very first director, gave me my first role and encouraged me to follow my dreams. My time at Starlight Theatre truly changed me “for good.” :)
Do you have any other “special skills?”
I can talk with my mouth closed! It’s on my resume, but no one in the room has asked me to do it yet.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
Your empathy is a superpower, not a weakness. You lead with kindness and still have boundaries. You can be compassionate without being pushed over. Know your strengths and use them with grace.
What skills did you find to be the most helpful in your career?
Versatility and a great memory go a long way in this industry. That’s why it’s so important to say yes to all kinds of performing opportunities! You never know what skills you will pick up. As an understudy, you have to remember so much! Lines, vocals, choreography, blocking, backstage cues, all for multiple roles. Being able to adapt quickly and keep all that information in your brain is super valuable.
To find out more on Jessie Jo Aka, please visit her at:
Instagram: @jessiejoaka
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