An Inspired Chat with Jackie Hammond

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jackie Hammond. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Jackie, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recent moment that made me proud was dropping off my twins at college for their freshman year. My son is at UC Berkeley studying Astrophysics and my daughter is at Montclair State University obtaining a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Criminal Justice.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I bring 35+ years of musical theatre experience and expertise to Musical Theatre of Anthem where I serve as the Producing Artistic Director, Executive Director, and a number of other executive roles as the only full-time employee of the non-profit organization. Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is an award-winning, non-profit organization founded in 2008 by Jackie and Jeff Hammond with the mission to develop youth and adults in the performing arts, nurturing their creativity and talents. MTA focuses on training the next generation of artists, patrons, and leaders, while also providing opportunities for adults to grow creatively.
We are in the middle of our 18th Season and produce up to ten full-scale musical productions a season, as well as offer an extensive amount of classes, workshops, and specialty performances for ages 4-adult.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My family…we all put in 100% into everything we do, have high expectations and do whatever is needed to meet our potential.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Try not to care so much about what others think of you. Not everyone will like you; not everyone will agree with you; not everyone will see your heart and good intentions.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Loyalty, respect, thoughtfulness

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
Working less; I work every day and time flies. I need to find more time for self-care for my own health and well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org
• Instagram: @mta_az
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicaltheatreofanthem
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/musical-theatre-of-anthem-anthem
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MusicalTheatreAnthem
• Other: Tiktok – mta_az

Image Credits
Michele Celentano