PERFORMANCE

Jones? approach to performance is based in her own in-depth artistic development.   An award winning performance artist based in New York city, her passion for  live venues  has led her into a unique career. Jones is an original.  New York City is her playground.  Her environment inspires her.  People and life infuse her work with hilarity, compassion and joy.   Jones takes risks on stage that disarm and delight her audience.  Her effect is at once hilarious and true.  This writer/performer is an original in the tradition of the great clowns of theatre and film.  Jones is avant-garde.  As coach/director, she carries her unique approach into her workshops.  Two hours with Samantha Jones is unorthodox and filled with fun.

Jones? training is grounded in the methods of Stanislavski, Sanford Meisner, and Uta Hagen.  She has studied at The Neighborhood Playhouse, The High School for the Performing Arts, the Drama department at SUNY New Paltz and HB Studios.  In addition, her process has been strengthened by her work with director, Debbie Jones, in the development of three acclaimed solo shows. 

Improv? isn?t about trying to be funny. It?s about being real and open.  It?s about  saying YES!

As children everything is new. Being open as an adult is risky.  It takes energy and a willingness to jump in.  But by doing it,  doors fly open to an adventurous and creative  life. -SJ

THE YES! APPROACH TO ART AND CAREER

Jones? workshops make her clients feel good. The work within both group and individual exercises is based on her client?s own personal greatness.  Everybody brings something unique to improvisation, and Jones pinpoints these strengths and helps them thrive.   Every workshop she runs is different because every workshop she runs is made up of unique individuals. 

In addition to industry professionals, her improv? clients have included real estate agents, managers, writers, bank tellers, lawyers, advertisers, and doctors.  By retraining their natural sense of play through crafted improvisations, Jones? clients regain their own creative freedom. 

ARTISTIC RESPONSIBILITY

Jones? believes that creative talent is power.  Creativity involves responsibility to the audience.  Audience helps complete the arc of performance.  Giving the gift of a performance to an interested audience is a privilege, not a right.  The audience whether it be housed in a theatre or a board room is your sounding board - in return for you giving them something to ?sound? about.

DON?T SHELVE YOUR ART UNTIL YOU?RE HIRED

Creativity must be expressed regularly to grow and be there for you.  People make the mistake of not creating unless they are in a formal class or hired for a project.  Whether it be an open-mic, an improv-jam, or an old instrument you haven?t picked up in years, give that energy an outlet and it will always be there for you. 

GET INSPIRED

If you live in or around New York City, there is always something to experience.  Pick up a paper or a magazine and see what?s going on.  Don?t limit yourself.  Pick a random open mic in a bar downtown or a poetry jam or a softball game or a parade.  You never know what you might experience that could inspire your own creativity. 

The biggest mistake an artist can make is to hand their business off to someone else.  Whether it be an agent, a manager, a gallery owner, or an accountant, know your business! These support people can help but you?re the boss.  Make your own choices.  Be educated about your money.  Protect your creativity.  -SJ

KNOW YOUR BUSINESS

Lawyers know their business.  Doctors know their business.  Bill Gates knows his business.  Creative people sometimes use the excuse of ?being sensitive? as a reason not to handle their finances.  Know what you are worth.  Know your competition.  Know your market.  Just like stocks, it will go up and down and during those times you need to be prepared.  Incorporate yourself. Talk to a tax preparer about deductions you can take for that tube of paint.  Know your business and protect your creativity.