Meet Jazlynn Damasco of Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazlynn Damasco.

Hi Jazlynn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My business partner, Landon Kalin, and I started our LLC back in September 2023. As 20 and 21 year olds in theatre, we realized that finding places to explore our craft became difficult, as we both were aged out of youth theater and auditioning for professional regional productions was the next best thing we could do, but it was not easily accessible. Theatre has helped shape us into who we are today, has brought so many important people into our lives, and has allowed us to express ourselves in a way no other art form has allowed us to do. So we created Velvet Curtain Productions and have done six shows since May 2023.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting an LLC at a young age was not the easiest feat, as there were many problems we had to overcome. Not only were we freshly building our business from the ground up, but we were putting on a show at the same time. We were simultaneously putting together our business and its framework while also putting on a really demanding show. I have to credit Landon on so many things; not only does he apply for the rights for our company, but he has put in so much blood sweat and tears for VCP. He has learned to light shows himself, had re-costumed shows very last minute, has had to help with sets, props, you name it. I owe so much to him; he’s the best business partner I could ask for and I am so grateful for him.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in in being a college led theatre organization made to produce dream shows for young artists in the valley and to give back to theatres who helped shape us into the people we are today. We realize how lucky and fortunate we are to have had such an amazing and memorable time in theatres around the valley. We want to give back to these theatres that have helped shaped us into the people we are today. Theatre provides such a safe space for actors and actresses to be themselves, and we want to be able to help contribute to these theatres for as long as we can. We are known for doing obscure shows or popularized shows with a twist, like Alice by Heart, We are the Tigers, and Heathers. We are so proud of each of the talented young artists we get to work with; each of them has grown into a more well-rounded actor/actress by the end of each process and it’s so humbling and incredible to see their growth. I think what sets us apart from others is that we aren’t afraid to take risks with our productions and each of our shows end up seeking the real truth behind each of their stories, making the audience have something tangible they can take with them after. Not only are they enjoying the productions they put on simply because it was fun to watch, but there’s something MORE that they can take with them after seeing the show.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up doing theatre since I was 12 years old. Before that, I was a really shy kid who would keep to themselves. I did choir growing up, but I needed something more, that allowed me to creatively express myself more and it wasn’t until my 6th grade school musical where I realized that this was something I needed to be apart of. I stopped doing theatre when the pandemic came around and it lined up with my senior year of high school. I did not think that I would end up continuing with theatre after senior year, so I thought that break happened naturally. I started back into theatre my Sophomore year of college and then I met Landon. I grew a strong respect for his craft and artistry as a performer and then we dreamed of putting on what became our first production: “Alice by Heart”. When he first pitched the idea to me, I became obsessed and fell in love with the musical. And the rest is history.

Pricing:

• Our ticket prices range from show to show, but we rely on our ticket sales and donations to keep our company going! We do not have production fees when being apart of our shows and majority of our proceeds go back to the theatres we do our shows at! Donations cover fees for rights, sets, costumes, props, etc., so any and all donations help!

Contact Info:

• Email: velvetcurtainproductions@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velvetcurtainproductions
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JpkTXAain/
• Other: https://www.venmo.com/u/velvet-curtain-producitions

Image Credits
Jazlynn Headshot: Tyler Flores
“Alice by Heart” Photo 1: Liv Scott
“Alice by Heart” Photo 2: Jennifer Giralo
“Six: Teen Edition” Photo 1 & 2: Landon Kalin
“We are the Tigers” Photo 1 & 2: Jennifer Giralo
“The Lightning Thief” Photo 1: Dahlia Del Rio
“The Lightning Thief” Photo 2: Kerrington Fink
“Heathers the Musical” Photo 1: Paige Erdmann
“Heathers the Musical” Photo 2: Dahlia Del Rio