Capacity Interactive is Now Capacity
Meet Stacie Louis-Jacques
AUTHOR:
Capacity
Hi, CI! is a series featuring the best team we know—the Capacity Interactive team! Today, meet Stacie Louis-Jacques: a CI Digital Marketing Analyst, singer, actress, and saxophonist whose love for the arts continues to grow every day.
How long have you been at CI?
I’ve been at CI since May 2021—so 2 years now!
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Queens, NY but was raised in Goose Creek, SC. Goose Creek is in Charleston, and contrary to popular belief, it’s not as “small” of a town as it sounds (it’s part of the greater Charleston area!).
You have an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Clemson University and a Master of Science in Arts & Creative Industries Management from Kedge Business School in Paris, France. What led you to pursue the arts in Paris?
I was on the law school track after receiving my undergraduate degree, then, at the tender age of 23, I took an opportunity to teach English in Paris. Paris has deep historical roots in the arts and strong governmental support for them, making the city a rich cultural hub! During this time I only worked 12 hours a week and thus had a lot of time to reflect and reassess what I really wanted to do (and explore Europe!). With this time, I rediscovered my passion for theatre and performing—I even joined an English-speaking theatre troupe on the outskirts of Paris! This led me to pursue my Master’s in Paris and center the arts in my life when I returned home.
You recently were part of an off-broadway concert reading for Call Me From The Grave. What was that experience like?
This was a novel experience like no other! I had the chance to partake in a new career experience—workshopping a new musical. I also resonated deeply with Call Me From The Grave, from its gorgeous music, interesting storyline, and predominantly Black cast. Also, rehearsing in iconic spaces with phenomenally talented actors and singers was a dream! I, along with everyone in the room, believed wholeheartedly in the project and wanted to see it succeed. (Hey producers, you should pick this one up!)
Here are a few of my favorite moments from rehearsal: city views at the rehearsal space, our incredible cast, and a behind-the-scenes rehearsal for a love song called “Livin’ The Dream,” between the two leads.
Bonus! It was SO wonderful to share my passion with my fellow CI colleagues who surprised me by attending the concert reading!
What’s your favorite production you’ve ever been a part of and why?
Call Me From the Grave for all the reasons above! Another favorite was a production of Annie with the theatre troupe in Paris that I mentioned before—and at the time, it was my first time in years auditioning for a musical. I scored a title role, and it was such a special re-entry into my passion.
You sing, act, and play the saxophone. What do you love about these three art forms?
I’ve always been interested in singing and acting, but growing up I mostly focused on music and was part of my middle school band. (I didn’t have a drama class at my middle school, so band was the next best option!) I took a mouthpiece test—if you were in band you know what I’m talking about—and I got perfect scores across the board, which meant I had an aptitude to play any instrument I wanted. I had to make a decision on the spot, and as an 11-year-old and longtime fan of the Simpsons, I obviously chose the saxophone.
Fun Fact: I went to a residential arts high school and got to do a master class with Doug Norwine, the saxophonist behind Lisa Simpson’s character IRL!
What I love about these three art forms is the emotion. Singing has always been a part of my life and that informed how I played the saxophone. Playing the saxophone for 12 years when I was younger helped build my confidence as a performer when I got back into singing and acting as an adult.
What project/production are you currently working on?
I’m an ongoing contributor for The Nudge, an app that texts you fun and unique ideas to do in your city, from date nights to weekend trips. I used to put so many silly videos on YouTube in middle school so it’s fun to put those editing skills to use in this new vertical video era when creating content for The Nudge! I also sing at church about once a month, which is something I’ve done since the age of 5.
How does your love for travel and the arts play a factor in your role as an analyst at CI?
I love that I have clients all over the country and beyond (I’m looking at you, Toronto Symphony Orchestra!). I’m constantly dreaming of seeing the amazing shows I learn about via email and Slack. I also love seeing how the arts are flourishing around our nation, which just makes my arts advocate heart flutter.
What’s your favorite WFH hack?
I absolutely love that I can use the time I would normally spend commuting on the subway as a space to exercise, make a home-cooked breakfast, or just enjoy some quiet morning time. My other favorite thing is doing vocal warm-ups at my desk!
What do you love about working with arts organizations?
There is something different about working with creatives. I love thinking about the bottom line with people and organizations whose values and priorities align with mine.
What’s something about your job that makes you excited to come to work every day?
The people, both my colleagues and my clients! I am an extrovert who loves experiencing that feeling of “we’re all in this together”—cue my favorite Disney Channel Original Movie, High School Musical. Again, working hard to build audiences and revenue for initiatives that I deeply care about gets me going!
What’s one tip you can give to help arts organizations market smarter?
Engage, engage, engage! A recent Colleen Dilenschneider article goes into reasons why arts organizations should sustain their audiences during lean periods. Simply put, it is way more expensive to buy back audiences than it is to maintain them. Not only is it a cost-saving mechanism, but it keeps audiences ready to buy when tickets are on sale again.
