Meet Jess LeProtto | Broadway Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jess LeProtto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jess, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I do have a favorite quote. It is a quote from Gene Kelly, as he was receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. At the end of his acceptance speech, Gene Kelly said, “You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams.” For me, it is a constant reminder of the many steps and sacrifices one does take in order to live out their dreams and to make them come true, especially one’s love for that dream.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Broadway performer and have appeared in nine Broadway shows, including “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” “Carousel,” “Hello, Dolly!” “Cats,” “On the Town,” “Newsies,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and “The Boy From Oz.” After studying dance and voice training locally in New Jersey, I began my professional career at age 10, appearing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. At a young age, my parents found opportunities for me in regional productions, national tours, and children’s theatre. I also performed on a competitive dance team for fifteen years, as well as appeared in many high school productions which included musicals, straight plays, holiday shows and concerts in both band and choir.

I can’t thank my parents enough for always finding opportunities for me to perform. This would help me out in the long run, as I learned many lessons throughout these early years. “Learning on the job” as they say. The teachers, directors, musicians, artists, choreographers and instructors that taught me these lessons would help mold me into the performer that I am today.

Of course, there are challenges along the way. In this profession, there is constant rejection. I’ve learned through trial and error how to stay confident, regardless of the outcome. Research, Preparation, Focus, Commitment, and most of all Fun are just some of the key words that I remind myself with when gearing up for an audition. No matter what, it’s important for me to give my all every time out, whether it be in an audition or onstage in front of thousands of people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I would take my friends downtown to Lower Manhattan. Of course, I love midtown and the theatre district, but there’s something truly special about Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park, and Little Italy. The mood of the city changes when you visit down there. The hip place where all the cool kids go!

Then, I’d change gears from the cityscape and head on down to the Jersey shore. Any place that has good food and fun in the sun on the beach is alright with me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I would love to give a shoutout to my family. Their love and support over the years has made all of this possible for me. Secondly, I would like to give my appreciation to all of my mentors and teachers, especially those as Passaic Valley Regional High School and Pace University. Much love to Jennifer Shue, Caren Atamian, Mike Deluccia, Ray Frasche, Jeff Budd, Kelly Allen and Al Blackstone. Thank you for guiding me every step along the way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_jess_leprotto/

Twitter: @D8Jess

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jess.leprotto

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ3y7BgqbDV_OKBGWfP6zQA

Image Credits
James Jin; Matthew Murphy; Deen Van Meer; Julieta Cervantes; Papermill Playhouse