Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Enfield.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Theatre became my outlet and safe space at a very young age. I began my performance journey in the 5th grade musical as Annie in the musical, Annie. From there, I started taking voice lessons, attending workshops, summer camps, and joining my school theatre department(s). Once I reached college level, I didn’t stop performing. I continued to chase the stage and became the president of the on-campus theatre group, the Scene Stealers.
In my final semester of college, I auditioned for a local dinner theatre in Downtown Hagerstown and thrusted myself into the Hagerstown theatre scene. Meeting my husband in college, it became evident that we were going to remain local to the Hagerstown area. When we officially moved to this town, post college, in 2021, I auditioned for a summer productions of Heather’s the Musical at ACT (Authentic Community Theater). I immediately fell in love with the people and dove into their programs. I took on roles with ACT beyond performing in shows, like teaching their musical theatre classes for youth, bartending for the ACT Black Box Studio, and becoming more involved anywhere possible.
About 2 years ago, I was offered a position (for my full-time job) that would have relocated me over 3 hours away. I considered the position, I visited the business location for a day to shadow, and I spent my 3-hour drive home contemplating. I decided to stay. For many reasons, but the main one was ACT, I couldn’t leave my people or my theatre home.
Around the same time, I was invited by the Board of Directors for ACT to consider the opportunity for a seat on their board. I took the offer and became the “Director of Business Development and New Media.” My goal with this seat was to bring a business mentality through my Entrepreneurship degree and start a “Media Team” to handle all social media content creation. When January nominations came around for Executive Members (President, VP, etc.) I found myself being nominated for President. Becoming President of ACT in 2025 was hands down one of the most special and cherished moments.
From the little girl belting musicals in her bedroom, dreaming of Broadway, to the President and Operations Manager of a local theatre…I am still pinching myself. Bringing my strengths, leadership and ideas to ACT while feeling supported by the community is something I cannot put into words. I am so privileged to be in a seat that allows me the opportunity to support a space that allows anyone, regardless of knowledge/background, to get involved in the arts. To create a space that provides an outlet, a comfortably and a family dynamic, is something I could never have imagined for myself, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is it ever a smooth road? Imposter syndrome is my biggest obstacle. Sometimes, even at 30, I feel like a child in adult clothing. Often times I find myself nearly pinching myself because it doesn’t always feel real. In my role with the theatre, I face a lot. Other people’s opinions is another huge challenge; “isn’t she too young to run an organization,” “do we really believe she’s the best one for the job?” Many times, I face hard conversations or even decisions that I don’t have all the answers for. Really the struggles occur often, but it’s the support of those around me that keeps me stable through it all.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ACT Black Box Studio?
The ACT Black Box Studio is the business extension of ACT (Authentic Community Theatre). While ACT is a non-profit, we run our performances from a black box theatre located in the Arts & Entertainment District of Downtown Hagerstown. The ACT Black Box Studio is a speakeasy themed venue upon entry that is attached, by a beautiful stone archway, to a black box that seats up to 70 patrons. Our small intimate setting provides an immersive theatre experience. Before the show and during intermission, the ACT Black Box Studio, provides a bar, offering snacks, drinks, and themed cocktails for every event. While we are mainly a performance venue dedicated to the productions of our Junior Program and Mainstage Theatre, we also offer a rental option for parties, gatherings, or other events. Our venue really provides a night out like any other. With options for all from families with children to date night, The ACT Black Box Studio is a hidden gem in Downtown Hagerstown.
What does success mean to you?
What a loaded question…
Success to me, especially as it relates to my work with ACT, is the support of others. Satisfied parents of students within our program, compliments to the cocktails created, thank yous from staff or actors that finally feel home. While success can be measured in a number of ways, I know we are successful when patrons, actors, staff, children, and parents continue to come back. Whether that is in shows or just to support, just to see other production performances. I would say I define success based on the people.
Pricing:
- Tickets to Mainstage shows – $25
- Dinner and a Show tickets – $50
- Cocktails – $5-10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://actforall.org
- Facebook: The ACT Black Box Studio
