Hi, I’m Jess!
And I just really love stories.
Whether that’s telling them, writing them, or consuming them.
Jess Brien is a performer, writer and graduate of:
• University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health)
• National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)
• and various clown schools around Canada and the USA
Because she can’t stop, she is currently studying a Post Graduate Certificate in Science Communication at the University of Otago.
Alongside creating the That's So Chronic podcast where she shares patient and healthcare stories, Jess is passionate about social impact entertainment, particularly the role entertainment media plays in public perceptions and understanding of health.
She’s also obsessed with talking about health and all things media over on @thatssochronic.
Recently, this passion has allowed Jess to join TV writers’ rooms as a story liner and notetaker, and she’s excited to continue developing her skills in this space… Maybe even write her own TV show? 👀
For the last 12 years, Jess has been performing across New Zealand and internationally in a variety of festivals, circus tents, streets, and theatres.
Performing highlights include performing her comedy juggling street show Jess The Mess at Wembley Stadium for London’s World Busking Day, and every single moment at Adelaide Fringe Festival! She tends to say yes to a lot of things, but she has no regrets!
When she’s not on stage, she loves being backstage.
Jess is an experienced event manager, with roles ranging from Artist Liaison for the World Buskers Festival to Front of House Supervisor in the Garden of Unearthly Delights during the Adelaide Fringe Festival. She loves the mixture of working with audiences and artists to create memorable and successful events.
