Meet Jennifer Pierro

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

Hi Jennifer , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
My Mom. She is my best friend and from a very young age and into adulthood, she would always tell me I was unique and there was nothing I couldn’t do, if I set my mind to it. Anything is possible. You never know unless you try. She is always by my side full of praise and support. Always lifting me up and full of positivity and strength. She has always encouraged me to take chances, follow my dreams and never let anyone clip my wings. I learned from the best!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Acting is my passion. I am an Italian American, NYC Manhattan based actress & voice-over artist and a proud member of AEA & SAG-AFTRA unions. I started performing in theatre at the age of 16. I was basically raised on the stage. It is how I was trained professionally. For me there is nothing like performing live on stage. Having to fully show up. Putting yourself out there with no interruptions in front of a live audience and taking them on your journey. It is magical and absolutely exhilarating. Theatre is my true passion. My happy place.

I have also performed and enjoy working in TV and film.
My first break into the TV world was in the soap opera All My Children and that experience opened doors to many more opportunities and connections that I have been extremely grateful for.

I most recently had the amazing opportunity to perform in the Off-Broadway premiere of the play Powerhouse by David Harms as Meena Cizinski. I received the best acting accolade in a review by Mari S. Gold from T and B On The Aisle.

I am currently in rehearsal for my new multi-character comedy one-woman show called MEN by Ken Wolf. I am slated to go on tour this year. I will also be reprising my role as Dana in the new play Rawshock by Rita Lewis in October. I performed in the original developmental production last June that received rave reviews and got picked up for a larger production this year.

Along with pursuing my acting, I am the Co-founder/Executive Director/Producer at Manhattan Repertory Theatre since 2005 along with my partner and Artistic Director Ken Wolf. We have produced over 1,000 full-length plays and 6,000 short plays. We produced our first Off-Broadway play Powerhouse in 2022. It was years in the making, but with hard work and determination we leveled up to Off-Broadway producers, received our first playbill and got a billboard in Times Square. It was a huge accomplishment that we are extremely proud of. We worked hard for it. We continue to build and produce theatre in NYC and basically anywhere in the world through our Play Production Program. You can find out more about our Play Production Program and all our services and achievements at www.manhattanrep.com.

I am also the co-author & voice of a children’s book called Roma’s New York City Adventures. It is multi touch interactive children’s book about the adventures of my dog Roma. It is available now on Apple Books. It is so much fun!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I was raised with a strong work ethic and supportive parents. My parents were hard workers and instilled that work ethic in me from a very young age. They worked hard for all they achieved. They worked for it. They earned it. Nothing was given to them. Having both of them as my role models formed me into the independent, hard working, determined, there is nothing I can’t achieve person I am today.

Surround yourself with a strong support system. People who want to see you win. Learn as much as you can about your craft. Study, take the classes, connect with others you can learn from. Understand all facets of your business. Knowledge is power. Never take NO for an answer. Believe me in this business you will hear plenty of NO’s. It can be discouraging at times, but you are stronger. NO’s make me stronger. I fight harder and turn them into wins. Bottom line, believe in yourself and you will achieve whatever you set out to do in life. You got this!

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I am feeling overwhelmed I exercise. I am an avid cyclist and a marathon runner. I am currently training for my second NYC marathon. I have always been an athlete and found exercise helps to calm me down and refocus my thoughts. It’s freeing and helps to keep me balanced.

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