Where are you from and where do you reside now?
I’m a native New Yorker; born in Brooklyn, raised up in Jersey. I never lived more than 90 minutes from Manhattan until I moved to Los Angeles, my current home.
What is your artistic discipline?
I’m a writer. I’ve written plays, TV and film scripts, podcasts, essay and articles and comic books.
When did you become a Member?
I first came to E.S.T. as an intern right after I graduated from college. I joined Youngblood in 1997, worked on the EST/Sloan Project from 2000-2005. I think I officially became a member in 2003? Some things are lost to the haze of memory.
What is one of your favorite EST Memories?
The very first time Youngblood did Asking for Trouble. It was the fall of 2001, right after 9/11. We were all hurting, all scared and grieving. But a whole lot of folks came together and created something funny and touching and just plain wild. It was a ridiculous thing to do. But it healed a lot of us.
What is influencing or inspiring your artistry right now?
Right now, I’m trying to navigate these chaotic times as an artist, looking for the balance between trying to make the world a better place in a material way and trying to connect as many people as possible with my work.
Who are your artistic influences?
I’ve been influenced by so many artists, so many works of art, so many collaborators and friends, it feels reductive to try to make any kind of list. Right now, I’m just looking for things that have the ring of truth to them.
What was the best play/film/TV you watched recently?
Hands down, it’s Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. That rewired my brain in so many ways.
What advice do you have for emerging theatermakers that you wish you knew?
There’s no value in playing it safe. Never. In any way. Risk it all, put it all out there, do what scares you. Do it right now.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on some spec horror features.
How can people connect with you?
The best place is on Instagram: @jholtham