In The Wings: Jennifer Milley
Jennifer Milley is our Executive Director! She’s been guiding us through our strangest season on record since joining us in March of this year. Those who’ve gotten to meet Jenn will know about her smarts and her goofy nature. I interviewed her and she was kind enough to reveal some Milley secrets (and her killer costume wardrobe!)
1. You joined Pacific Theatre at a wild time, right at the onset of COVID, and were trained by our interim Executive Director Ian over Zoom. What was the most surreal part of those early days?
Honestly, it was meeting everyone for the first time online, rather than in person. It’s strange to reflect back on the fact that I worked with most of the staff for months, having never been in-person with them in the office or theatre. I for one am glad that we are a small enough group with enough space that we can now laugh into our masks within earshot of each other.
2. Your educational background (you have a master’s degree, is that right?) is in literature. What author could you discuss for hours?
That is correct. I was unwise enough to take not one, but two degrees in English Literature. At any given moment, I could discuss, at ludicrous length and in socially-detrimental detail, imperialist narratives in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “Secret Garden,” which I consider to be the best and worst novel written for children of all time.
3. Best weird snack food?
Bambo — they are corn puffs coated in peanut oil, and taste like fluffy peanut butter.
4. What was the first show you saw at Pacific Theatre? Any first impressions stick with you?
I think it might have been Hospitality Suite [Ed: 2001-02 Season]. I think what I remember most was that it was the first time I had been in an alley theatre. I was very taken with the space, and how it affected the audience experience.
5. If you could work in any position on any theatre production, what would it be?
I think stage manager would probably be a good fit; what I am learning is that it seems to require the ability to focus on multiple areas while nurturing people through practical help. Both of these skill sets are very appealing to me.
6. You worked in the school system for a long time, right? How did you come to work at Pacific? What made you want to move into theatre?
I worked in development at an independent school, which meant I was involved in fundraising, marketing, and communications work. I loved the variety (sensing a theme?) in that work; and, when it felt like it was time for a change of pace, I was drawn to the promise of the same at PT. There is definitely a ‘something new every day’ quality to working here, which brings me joy, just as the opportunity to read and discuss scripts is deeply fulfilling.
7. What are some themes that will automatically suck you into a piece of art?
Anything that explores the nature of regret, and the possibility of reconciliation–I am here for it. Lately, I’ve also been drawn to writing/art which queries traditional tropes of forgiveness, interrogating the limits and effects of forgiveness between individuals and between groups.
8. Three people in the city who inspire you.
1) My friend Karen Lai, who was recently nominated as a Woman of Distinction by the YWCA; though, she hates the term “inspiring,” when it’s applied to her : ) She is a challenger of norms, a warrior advocate for inclusion and diversity, and a bearer of compassionate empathy. Karen sees things from multiple perspectives all at once, and pushes me to do the same. 2) I am similarly inspired by another Woman of Distinction winner, Mebrat Beyene, the executive director of WISH Vancouver. I am lucky enough to know her personally, and to admire her professionally, as she and WISH work every day for the increased safety of Vancouver’s sex workers. 3) And, rounding out this trio is Jodi Spargur, one my favourite humans: the founder of RedClover, theologian extraordinaire, and steadfast messenger of conciliation, mediation, and healing.
9. Something you do that your kids think is lame but you know in your heart is cool.
I can do any dance that was popular in the 90s–the Roger Rabbit, Cabbage Patch, even a line dance if I’m pressed. Also, I have picked up a number of ‘frustrated momma’ phrases in Korean, from watching much too much(?) k-drama. I believe these mostly-hidden talents keep me relevant. My children disagree.
10. What’s something that surprised you about Pacific – the office, the plays, the people?
I did enjoy the startling surprise of discovering prop guns in the petty cash safe. That no one in the office thinks twice about this while moving the register and deposits in and out was, and is, deeply delightful to me. Similarly, the realization that my love of costume-making is not considered in any way strange or unusual let me know that I have found ‘my people’. I am used to receiving semi-skeptical, indulgent glances from other adults when I make a costume for some event. Not so here!