Meet Mike Jimena

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mike Jimena a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Mike with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

There is little doubt that the foundation of my work ethic was developed by the example and influence of my father. My father barely got out of high school, but through his hard work he built a business that lasted from 1952 until 1993 when he retired. Early on my brother and and I followed in his footsteps of the automotive field.. Starting our business in 1972 and still operating today. There was a problem. Although I pushed myself to work from early morning to into the evenings often six days a week. There was something missing. From the day I was born I always wanted to be and considered myself an artist. 20 years into the business I looked into the mirror and realized it was time to be who I was. I handed my brother the keys to the business and stepped away to become a full time artist and actor. At that time I realized that an artist is not something you do its who you are. My dad’s passion for automotive and machine work made six to seven days a week a joy for him. As I launched my artistic career I discovered seven days a week was not a burden but a joy. Finding a creative partner, Connie Mockenhaupt, has made the last 30 years an adventure every day.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am fortunate to have dual art careers, having started out solely a visual artist. Thanks to the Busfield brothers I become involved first with Fantasy Theatre as a scenic artist and as B Street Theatre was founded I became involved in both set construction and Design. With a little push from Ed Claudio I began to also pursue acting I’ve been a member of the Screen Actors Guild since 1997 while pursuing acting and theatre. I was also a resident artist for Sacramento Metropolitan Art Commission as a visual artist. As this was going on Connie and I created Mikon Productions which did specialized performances, exhibits and set design and construction. From 1996 on I created five to nine yearly California State Fair County exhibits winning three to four dozen gold ribbons and special awards each year. In November 2006 Mikon founded the Stage Nine Theatre on Sutter Street in Folsom’s Historic District with the help of City and Chamber of Commerce of Folsom. In February of 2007 the theatre became the Theatre Production and Technical Academy a 501 (c)3 non-profit corporation eventually changing the theatre name to a DBA of Sutter Street Theatre. We just kicked off our 19th season with 10 Off-Broadway productions including dramas, comedies and musicals and a Family Series of 8 productions including classic stories, comedies and musicals which includes 3 youth/teen master musical workshops. We also have and Olde Tyme Radio Show (focus on seniors), Storybook Time for young children, and 7 country western concerts with Joni Morris (Patsy Cline Tributes) and more! 2024 was our most successful year. We were voted #1 theatre group by the Folsom Telegraph and Style Magazine and Broadway World awards for Best Female Performance, Best Director & Best Choreography and Best Local Theatre Company for the Sacramento Region. As we begin our 19th season and start planning our 20th and adventures beyond the greatest challenge is to add qualified people in our management team. 2024 was also a revitalization of my visual art career. Since mid-year I have had new art pieces in shows. On November 29 and 30 we converted the theatre into an art gallery for a 3 person art show featuring myself and two high school friends who have been 55 year art associates, Jerry Mamola and Brian Bibby. Biggest single obstacle in just getting my art work out in to the public.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1) I have been blessed with an artistic mind. I never remember a time when I could not draw, cartoon or paint.

2) Having been in business 20 years with my brother. as I walked out into the world of art I was able to apply that acquired knowledge in building a business and applying it to an arts based business.

3) In risk taking, I often have decided to take on a project that others have thought would be impossible. Our theory on set design for our stage is that it’s not the size of your stage, it’s the size of your imagination.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The obvious answer to who has been the most helpful in overcoming challenges to build and develop the essentials skills, qualities and knowledge needed to become the successful artist, entrepreneur and arts educator I have become is Connie Mockenhaupt. My business partner, collaborating artist, best friend and wife. For the past 30 years we have been on the arts adventure together. Discovering the answers, if not creating or making it up on the spot if necessary. We feel we have on just begun the adventure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.SutterStreetTheatre.com
• Instagram: @sutterstreettheatre
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SutterStreetTheatre/
• Youtube: @sutterstreettheatre9422

Image Credits

Allen Schmeltz
Mike Jimena
Emily Meyers