Artist spotlight: Jessica C. Warchal-King

Artist spotlight: Jessica C. Warchal-King

(Featured image photo credit: Mike Hurwitz)

Each month, Reading Theater Project will spotlight an artist who works with us. This month, we’re featuring Jessica C. Warchal-King, director of the JCWK Dance Lab and a frequent participant in the 5-Minute Fringe Festival and In Nature’s Studio.

What is your role with Reading Theater Project?

A: I’m a fan, friend, and creator. RTP has been generous in allowing me to share dance through and with many of their productions in the past five years. 

What is your theater background?

A: I’m a dance artist and grew up in the studio and theatre. For Theatre as a discipline, specifically, I’ve sang and danced, played character roles, choreographed, and provided movement direction for actors. I have my MFA in Dance and my BA in Dance and Anthropology. I’ve danced with several professional dance companies and toured internationally. 

Dancers in white leaning back with their right arms raised on a dark stage.
Jessica C. Warchal-King’s JCWK Dance Lab performed three pieces at the Reading Theater Proejct’s 5-Minute Fringe Festival this year.

What are you working on now?

A: “Dark Adaptation” is an hour-long contemporary dance performance with original music and visual art. My dance company, JCWK Dance Lab, is premiering this multi-media experience on April 23 at Alvernia University. Visit jcwkdancelab.org/darkadaptation for more information and to reserve your tickets! 

What is your favorite Reading Theater Project experience and why?

A: I appreciate the collaborative process RTP brings to all of their projects. I particularly love Fringe because so many different voices and creative perspectives are invited to the table. RTP leadership creates a warm and welcoming environment where risks can take place with support and mentorship.  

What do you enjoy about working with Reading Theater Project?

A: RTP has a high expectation of professionalism with a rich sense of community and humanity. There is joy, focus, and a commitment to the greater vision (production, event) that I’ve found supports and pushes me to be the best version of myself in that moment. Thank you, Friends! 

Four dancers in white performing on stage.
The JCWK Dance Lab performed three pieces at the Reading Theater Project’s 2023 5-Minute Fringe Festival.

What is your dream theatrical gig? 

A: I dream of creating a full-time professional dance company in Berks County. I’m working toward that with JCWK Dance Lab. I want to provide dance artists with an opportunity to hone their craft, continue performing, and use dance to connect with other professions/disciplines in a way that is physically and fiscally sustainable.