Louise Mothersole, Sh!t Theatre
Jen has worked with us for many years now.
We call them 'Jenmum' because of their care and ability to stop us metaphorically running out into the road without looking. All the basic human survival instincts can get forgotten when nose-deep in Art, and Jen has looked after us when we haven't had the ability or inclination.
Jen has helped us get through the Downs and kept us from trouble during the Ups. They have been unfailingly supportive and we have been lucky to have them on our team.
Scottee
“Collaborating with Jen has been life saving and life affirming. Their care and compassion is completely collaborative, continually in dialogue, adaptable and carefully responsive.
I’ve benefited from their brilliance and skills in many prolific ways - as a care worker, show parent, chaperone and an astute artistic voice invested in the work and people making it.
Jen is a radical listener and someone I’m incredibly grateful to work with. I particularly adore their playfulness and their kindness in moments of crisis, uncertainty and fear.’
Heather Bandenburg/Wrestival
Jen, to my knowledge, is the first back stage support person that has been at a wrestling show just to make sure everyone is alright. In wrestling there is not a tradition of care - wrestlers work through injuries, find themselves embroiled in backstage politics, sometimes don't know who to ask about pay or travel. Jen has helped shape wrestival into the anti thesis of that.
Wrestival is a bi annual festival at the Pleasance with a cast of 50+ people - most of them are wrestlers with no experience of performing arts outside of wrestling - and all have commented on the importance of having a caring, safe, fun backstage atmosphere and Jen has been integral to that.
As a wrestling promoter and often a performer in shows I find myself overwhelmed often. Jen is always the person to feed me; help me find people and take jobs off my hands; occasionally helping me cry in a cupboard. The value of having that person in a traditionally male dominated space which doesn't consider access, intersectionality or just feelings in general is incredibly radical and now indispensable.
Hannah Maxwell
“I have worked with Jen in many of their care/wellbeing/show-parent capacities over the past 8 years. They bring a unique level of experience and insight into the mental and emotional risks apparent to artists making difficult work.
The strategies, care & resource they can offer to work of any scale is invaluable. I would absolutely recommend them as an individual practitioner – and care practice in general as an essential consideration in the delivery of creative work.”
Josh-Susan Enright, Actor Marty & the Party
“While performing in Marty & The Party with Milk Presents Jen Smethurst acted as our show parent, providing support to the performers with their emotional and physical needs.
Jen was an absolute joy to have as a member of the company and their presence was highly valued. They were always conscientious of how rehearsals were running, it was great to have them in the room to point out when we needed breaks and also needed snacks. When you get in the flow of rehearsing you can often forget to eat, but Jen was great at making sure that we were not overworking ourselves.
On a personal note, I myself had a rather traumatic thing happen while in the middle of a two show day. Feeling unsteady in myself I reached out to Jen for support.
They were compassionate, pragmatic and comforting, which is exactly what I needed to be able to continue with the day. They support they gave provided me with the strength to continue with the day.
Throughout the run of Marty & the Party, Jen provided us with care and support with an understanding and playful energy that served the company well.
They are a fantastic person who would be a huge benefit to any company or group they work with.”
Jas Nisic, Actor Marty & the Party
“Jen went above and beyond to create a safe environment for me whilst I was on tour across the UK.
They are empathetic and have a strong understanding of nurturing creatives who are neurodiverse, LGBTQA+ and those with mental health issues.
Jen was an excellent show parent and provided top tier snacks and coffee!”