Jessica Peverett (she/her) loves reality tv meets true crime, drinks iced coffees year round and can be found hanging out with her cats and dog in amiskwaciwâskahikan (colonially known as Edmonton). As an artist, she’s been a performer, playwright, director, Nextfest mentor and Sterling juror. She recently joined Fringe Theatre as the HR Manager after taking a very long break from arts administration. She’s excited to be “home” and grateful to be a part of the Fringe team.
WHEN DID YOU START FRINGING?
Fringe and I have been in and out of each other’s lives since I was a teenager. I’ve been an enthusiastic Patron, a Volunteer during Festival, the person slinging drinks during wedding receptions and selling tickets for season shows, a Performer in the Westbury, a Playwright in the Backstage and sometimes both at lottery and BYOV venues. Fringe is now my full-time, grown-up job and I think it’s safe to say that things are getting serious between us…
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOB AT FRINGE?
My job as HR Manager is to make sure every human who joins our team, whether it’s a one-day gig or a decade-long stint in the admin office, is supported in learning, living, dreaming and creating at Fringe. Our people are our dreamers, schemers and builders and Fringe wouldn’t be what it is without them. I also do payroll which is less inspirational and more practical.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR ROLE WITH FRINGE?
I’m super excited to get to champion radical hospitality for the team and celebrate the human-ness of the Fringe all year round.
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, TO FRINGE WITH YOU, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
All the littles in my life! Stories are powerful things. They can give us a sense of belonging; they can challenge us, they can inspire joy… I am excited to share those experiences with them.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU’RE LEARNING ABOUT RIGHT NOW?
At work, I’m learning a lot about Quickbooks but at home, I’m learning how to keep our compost worms thriving.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My friends. They are a rag-tag crew of tender-hearted, brave, kind, strong and creative humans who serve their communities, challenge me to dig into the hard stuff and love each other fiercely.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Community, magic, stories and humans.
WHAT IS THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
I was told during a job evaluation that I was a capable leader but I would need to choose to use my powers of persuasion for good or for evil. While it wasn’t a straight-up compliment (because I was clearly stirring up trouble) – it changed my life. It made me reflect on how I wanted to exist in the world and the ways I could serve others.
IF JOY BECAME A NATIONAL CURRENCY, WHAT KIND OF WORK WOULD MAKE YOU WEALTHY?
Drinking iced coffees, eating snacks, paddling in a canoe, gardening in my yard, spending time with my beloveds and laughing so hard I think I’m going to pee my pants.