I’m a performing artist, and I live in Oakland, California with my husband, Jacques.

Mostly I’ve been making one-woman shows for the past decade, though I’ve done it in almost total obscurity! Quite a feat! But here are some nice things people have said about my work:

Totally magical, visually and emotionally. Creativity like this in the theater is rare.
– Terry Sendgraff

I threw my head back with laughter, I inhaled crisply, I was slack-jawed.
– San Francisco Audience Reviewer

Innovative structure… the show never rests on its laurels.
– Nuvo Newsweekly

That was a great piece of physical theater!
– Twin Cities Theater Connection

This absorbing mystery keeps surprising right up to the end. I will think about this piece for weeks.
– Minnesota Fringe Audience Reviewer

Finely realized physical performance…mesmerizing. Five stars.
–Twin Cities Daily Planet

Stunning. I went home heartbroken and uplifted.
– Minnesota Fringe Audience Reviewer

Delicate, clear, well-observed, sensitive, precise, direct, pure… It is about physical control, delicate delivery, and openness; this is what Jessica does so beautifully. You will not see a show like this anywhere else. Her story is personal and unique, and her heart is wide open.
– Jon Ferguson

Her work pushes boundaries. It’s complex, sophisticated, and fun.
– David Ford

[Her performance] made me feel human again. She definitely knows about precision and clarity and stillness, but also has the uncommon restraint to not make a flashy show that is all about her technical skills. As I see it, this gentle show is about looking for purpose and beauty and joy, in a quiet and unassuming way.
– Megan Odell

It takes a special brain and a dedicated performer to construct a solo show that avoids linear form and predictable narrative. Here, Jessica is trying to make sense of issues, emotions, and humans who seem to defy description in any way other than performance. Yes, its complexity means the audience sometimes has to work to make its own connections. No, it’s not always easy. But, for our work, we are rewarded with an uplifting sense of the human soul and all that it strives for in communicating with the rest of the world.
– Daryl Fazio

Ferris plays an entire cast of supporting family members with an amazing deal of sympathy and range.
–  Cincinnati City Beat

I feel compelled to say that CounterPULSE is my fiscal sponsor!

The upshot for you is that if you decide to make a donation toward the development of my art, I can give you a tax write off. Fancy! You can e-mail me about such things.

Speaking of e-mail!

Would you like to get one from me every once in a while? Regarding performances? Here’s how you sign up for that occasional and exceedingly polite e-mail (and I’ll keep your information top-secret):

All other miscellaneous inquiries can be addressed to info (at) jessicaferris (dot) com!