By Kate Bartlett
Chautauqua resident Jenna Robino has lived and worked all over the country, but finds inspiration to fuel her inner artist in every day occurrences. She is a multi-faceted artist with experience in theatre, acting, production, hospitality, film, voiceover, singing and comedy. Jenna strives to find inspiration every day, and encourages others to find what makes them come alive at any age.
Jenna was raised in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania and Scottsdale, Arizona and her journey in the arts started in living with an artistic family. Her brother, a painter, and Mom an interior designer and inventor. She was always singing around the house to power house singers like Whitney Houston, trying on different accents and costumes (mostly from her mom’s closet), engaged in school choir and theatre.
Jenna attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles majoring in theatre, “I was exposed to many incredible plays and experiences living in a big world center of the acting field. It really shaped my younger years, for better and worse.” While she loved the arts, Jenna struggled with her mental health during this time. “I was still learning who I was, and felt very sensitive to outside forces. I had experiences with depression and an eating disorder, and didn’t feel ready to get into the industry fully at the time. Looking back, I’m glad I listened to that inner voice, and started a healing journey.”
In efforts to find healing for her struggles, Jenna sought out a group fitness class, and found intenSati, which combines intention and mindfulness with yoga, dance and strength with powerful affirmations you speak out loud. Through this group fitness class, Jenna was able to build a more positive relationship with her body, mind and spirit.
Next, she was drawn to her friend’s film production company, which invited her to try many interesting roles, furthering her experience in the acting and production world. “I surrounded myself with people smarter and braver than I, creating big and beautiful things, telling stories I wanted to be a part of. I feel fortunate to have been influenced and shaped by many powerful creators in the arts during this time.”
Despite her colorful time in L.A., she felt unsure about pursuing acting, and gravitated towards the healing arts, and discovered the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. She was accepted into their Seva six-month volunteer program, under which she was granted room and board in exchange for working their programs. “This was such an inspiring environment, to experience the Berkshires, immerse myself in yoga and health studies, while practicing living in community. 19 roommates in a dorm room! It changed me on a cellular level, shifting my perspective on a lot of things, the student of faith and the human condition in me was very stimulated and challenged.”
Jenna was truly thriving at Kripalu, so she stayed on for another year as a production intern. “During this time, I was feeling fully expressed and nourished – I created my first greeting card line called Artfully Alive Designs, started Body Art painting, helped organized events for volunteers to gather and connect and so many other things bloomed from here. It was while folding yoga blankets in a yoga studio one day I met an audiobook producer who had heard of my theater background and gave me my first shot at a two-book paid contract recording young adult books. I didn’t even know I could make money using my voice in this way. This changed my life and started my career in voiceover that eventually led me to NYC for ten years.”
Jenna recently moved back to Chautauqua County this year to help her mother Julie, with her art gallery bar and event venue off Main Street in Downtown Westfield, Annex 25 (Annex25.com). She’s been involved in creating engaging events at Annex 25, working with locals to create unique and meaningful experiences for its patrons. She debuted her one woman show here recently: Loving the Becoming: Part Butterfly Part Hot Mess, Watch Me Wing It. Hosting karaoke nights are her favorite. “I love seeing people who start off saying they’d never karaoke then dance around with a feathered boa around their neck; it’s incredibly entertaining!”
Jenna is looking forward to getting involved in the community this holiday season with her solo performances in two holiday concerts. The first was held on Sunday, December 8th at Jamestown’s First Covenant Church, and the second will be held on December 28th at the Hurlbut Church in Chautauqua from 4:30-5:30pm. “I am looking forward to singing with a big swing band for the first time, led by John Cross who’s been so encouraging of my voice and growth as a performer.”
Jenna is using her impressive resume and diverse skill set these days and creating a life she loves. She is trusting the process and is always looking for opportunities to grow as an artist and performer, collaborate and help create engaging events with her new entertainment business venture. She’s already led a trivia night for a volunteer organization this month. “I love bringing my zest for life and openness into spaces with people I’ve never met before, and igniting some connection and fun.”
Jenna encourages others to move towards what makes them come alive. “There are invitations everywhere to experience new things, and who knows, they may end up changing the course of your life. Give an enthusiastic “YES!” to the mystery.”
For more information, visit jennarobino.com and follow on Instagram for delights @jennarobino. Email jennarobino@gmail.com for booking inquiries.