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Please click on any photo to see it in full. Photos by Jessica Kray Martin unless otherwise noted.

portfolio

Marketing, Image/Video Design, and Merchandise Creation

I have used my skills with multiple companies to reach a larger audience, sell products, and continue learning skills as technologies and trends change. 
Theatrical Photography
 
I have been photographing theatrical events for almost a decade. I worked with the Glimmerglass Festival as a Photography Intern in the summer of 2014. During that summer I captured images of properties creation, costume construction, rehearsals, backstage, and special events. I was also in charge of the company Flickr Account and worked on the company Instagram Account. Opera, plays, musicals, puppet theatre, dance--I am always looking for new companies to work with to capture their one of a kind productions for marketing, archives, and designer portfolios. 
Stage Management
 
 
I have worked with a variety of companies as a stage manager, assistant stage manager, and production assistant. These companies varied in size with casts ranging in size from 4 people to 26. I enjoy working with a diverse cast filled with newcomers as well as seasoned veterans. My main goal as a stage manager is to make sure that the entire process for cast, crew, directors, and designers is a consistent flow of information from first meeting to final performance. 
Acting and Performance
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While earning my degree, I performed as Tomato Plant Girl in UNI Student Theatre Association's production of Tomato Plant Girl. The show toured to elementary schools in Iowa and performed to over 800 children in the area. 
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During my time as an administrator in Sissy's Sircus Burlesque and Drag Troupe, I also had the opportunity to perform in duet, trio, and large group vignettes and dances. I performed at a variety of Pride events in Iowa and during annual mainstage shows. 
Event Management​​
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The Iowa Thespians Festival is a two day theater event for High School students on the University of Northern Iowa campus. I was the Student Festival Coordinator and had five months to plan, organize ideas, and even rent golf carts for 900 plus high school students, their directors, chaperones, and guest artists. I created a master grid sheet to track  student volunteers, a deck sheet, and a website for volunteer sign up. This event included 4 mainstage shows, 6 studio theatres, individual events, tech challenge, working with 50+ volunteers, and many more. The next year I was hired as the consultant to help create a consistent process for the event
 
Photos courtesy of Steph Wessels
Props Designer
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While at UNI I was the Properties Master for the Theatre UNI production of Merchant of Venice (Beach!). During the process I taught myself a variety of props design methods and even designed and created a full scale surfboard. I also created blankets with attached merchandise that could be set and struck in one movement, logos for clothing and products, and period-specific products. 
Run Crew​​
 
In my time at Des Moines Metro Opera and other companies I helped create props, build sets, and complete scenic paint treatments. I have experience with load-ins, strikes, and preparing sets for transferring to other locations and storage. I am highly adaptable and am an asset in fast-moving environments.
Makeup Design
 
Past projects included highlight and shadow, exaggeration, animals, blood and gore, facial hair and wigs, gender reversal, fantasy, time period, old age, and celebrity look alike. 
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All pictures on this website are property of Jess Kray Martin (Copyright 2022)

For reproduction permission of any pictures contact jesskraymartin@gmail.com for more information

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