Meet Charles Jackson Jr. - CanvasRebel
We recently connected with Charles Jackson Jr. and have shared our conversation below.
Charles, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I learned to be a producer by deciding to be a producer. While it may sound unusual, my undergraduate program didn’t offer a specific track in producing, so I had to teach myself the skills needed. My mentality has always been that I won’t wait for someone else to provide me with an opportunity; instead, I will create my own opportunities. I apply this same mindset to producing.
Since my undergraduate years, I have read countless books on producing. After reading each book, I applied the lessons I learned to my own projects. In addition to reading, I actively reached out to producers who inspired me, inviting them for coffee or quick Zoom calls to introduce myself and learn about their journey into producing.
I’ve also researched and applied for any producing apprenticeships I could find. I have been fortunate enough to be accepted into several producing apprenticeships, which have significantly contributed to my career in producing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a Tony Award®-nominated producer from Fort Worth, Texas. I fell in love with theatre when I signed up for theatre class as a freshman in high school, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Theatre became a form of therapy for me—a space where I could release the feelings that I am not allowed to express in our society and be applauded for it. When I got to college, I knew I wanted to become a producer because I noticed a lack of diversity in the stories being told, and I wanted to see more Black people in diverse roles that weren’t based on our oppression. Since college, I have produced over 20 shows, including plays and musicals, ranging from fringe festivals to regional theatre, Broadway, and off-off Broadway. I take pride in providing marginalized theatre artists with a platform to showcase their abilities.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My lifelong mission is to produce theatre that champions the voices of the Black community and other marginalized groups. A couple of years ago, I was directing a show called Moon Man Walk at Jubilee Theatre, and after one of the performances, a Black mother and her child approached me. At first, I thought something was wrong, but then the mom encouraged the boy to talk to me. He wanted me to sign his program because we had the same name, and I inspired him. So, I signed his program, and he signed mine. Whenever things get tough, I always reflect on moments like that and remember why I must keep fighting for representation.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
How to Raise Money for the Arts . . . or for Anything by Ken Davenport
Broadway Investing 101: How to Make Theater and Yes, Even Make Money by Ken Davenport
Produced by Faith: Enjoy Real Success Without Losing Your True Self by Devon Franklin
The Hollywood Commandments: A Spiritual Guide to Secular Sucess by Devon Franklin
Black Founder by Stacy Spikes
More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth
Broadway General Manager: Demystifying the Most Important and Least Understood Role in Show Business by Peter Bogyo