Jessica Avedikian developed a passion for performing early in life. When she relocated from Lebanon to Dubai, she didn’t want to lose momentum and continued participating in local plays.
It was only recently that her fellow SMGers discovered she had other talents as well, namely singing. When Jessica answered a call for talent to perform at the next MENA Effies gala awards, it was clear to everyone she had quite the vocals. She is now part of an SMG Dubai band that will take the stage on the 19th of November to dazzle the audience at the award show.
When did you start participating in theatre?
I started during my university years in Lebanon. In my last semester, I was forced to take a free elective course, so I chose the “Introduction to Acting” class. I took the class with a popular Lebanese actor/ director and it was really an amazing experience. After that, I started doing projects for university students. When I moved to Dubai three years ago, I didn’t get involved in theatre right away. It wasn’t until I watched one play and decided to ask around for upcoming auditions. I ended up getting a role for a small community play; I have now taken part in more than five short plays, two student films, two long plays as well as became a stage manager for one long-run play.
How did you feel the first time you were on stage?
It was like the feeling that you get when you present a new presentation at work. Only it was 10 times more intense, as you are living someone else’s life through the character. It is a mixture of racing heartbeat, anxiety, and sometimes fever, yet I love everything about the feeling before going on stage. I think if this feeling goes away, you will not perform well, and it will be like very normal and a usual thing to do. I don’t want to reach that stage where I feel this is just a normal thing, because the excitement and the adrenaline rush that you feel before going on stage is truly a rewarding feeling.
Why did you opt for theatrical performances as opposed to other forms of art?
I like to be involved in many things after working hours. I am also involved in singing, but I have a passion for theatre and I like to perform and be on stage. To be honest, theatre was not my dream job, but now that I am more involved in it, I love it and I feel so much passion towards it. Despite that I don’t get paid for my performances in Dubai, I still do it for myself and for the community.
What else do you like to do after work?
I really like singing. I have performed a few times with a saxophonist here in Dubai and I used to do more in Lebanon. I would like to take my singing to the next level, but my busy schedule at the office doesn’t allow it. Still, I am always open to performances if there are any. I love jazz, soft rock, and classics. I was part of three different bands back in Lebanon and jamming was something that I loved to do. It just gets you out of your stressful day and puts you in a new world.
Was there ever a time when you wanted to only focus on work?
There will always be work, but I have to manage it. So far I am being able to manage the work/life balance. I hope I keep this on track and keep being productive at work and in my personal life. There will always be more and more work to do, we just need to squeeze some time for our self-development, self-health, self-growth and mostly importantly self-joy.
