JESS RASSP

I am a zookeeper. I sculpt and construct puppet creatures with animal qualities that capture natural forms and movements through a tension between realism and abstraction. I give life to these creature puppets using intense focus to transfer enigmatic energy through my hands. This allows me to disappear behind the puppet to become a visible invisible puppeteer. My endearing puppets emotionally connect to audiences, like Lucy the Ice-Picker Bird plucking a delicate feather to reach out for interaction. It is in that moment, when the puppet is authentically alive that we discover true magic. 

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Jess Rassp (she/her) is a Theatre Artist, Producer and Puppetry Performer who specializes in devised ensemble performance. Inspired by nature, culture, and mythology, her work fuels environmentally-centered narratives, inspires storytelling through the subtleties of creature expression, and encourages audiences to connect with our natural world. Jess has worked as an independent artist with various theatre companies as a leader, designer, and puppet creator. In addition to intensive studies in theatre and fine arts, she received her B.A. in English Literature from Brandeis University. 

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Jess is a member of the Submersive Collective:

 http://submersiveproductions.com 

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CURRENTLY:

Project Katelepsis

Submersive Productions

March 24-April 30, 2023

Katalepsis will invite audience members into a world set many 

generations into the future, when humans are no longer the 

dominant life form on earth. Three Creators have been tasked to 

generate creative content for mysterious Benefactors, who 

support their work. Relying on help from audience members, 

who appear to them as holo-beings from the past, the characters 

of “Katalepsis” search for fulfillment, connection, and a way 

forward.

https://submersiveproductions.ticketspice.com/katalepsis

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UPCOMING:

Funktopia: Dark Tower

April 2023

The Voxel 

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Lyra and the Ferocious Beast

Truepenny Projects

August 2023

https://www.truepennyprojects.com/ 

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OFFERINGS: 

Jess Rassp leads puppetry workshop intensives for professional actors, students, and children. These lessons are in the abstract practice of puppetry as well as fabrication of puppets. She has lead this workshop with Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Morgan State University, Community College Baltimore County, and Single Carrot Theatre Summer Camp. Please inquire if interested! 

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