We had the good fortune of connecting with Jodie Wilk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jodie, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creativity chose me! Or another way to say it is, my Creator made me creative. I find it absolutely incredible that God, who creates everything, includes me in the process! He could complete it all without any help from me, but He allows me to take part, infuse ideas, make, shape, play around with and complete something from nothing. It gets me every time; a true collaboration. Also, being creative is therapy. Teaching, writing, directing, painting, set design, even raising children are all creative outlets that, if I go too long without bringing dreams, visions and mere sparks of inspiration into being, I get a little melancholy. One new poem on the page, or reaching a student via a new technique brings me joy–corny, but very true!
So making a career of being creative and sharing creativity through teaching dance, choreography, and acting just naturally happened starting when I was in high school.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I own Performance Supply Company, a small theatre company and acting school. I produce mostly original work that I write myself or have co-authored. From the script to props, costumes, set design and directing, I get to do all the creative things I love. But the best part is teaching the kids and watching them step over their ‘fear lines.’ One of my greatest joys in life is watching a student, young or old, take courage by the tail and conquer the little things that hold them back. Whether it’s standing solo in front of the class, attempting new choreography, performing a two-page monologue on opening night or walking into my class for the first time, I love to celebrate my students’ daily steps across the dreaded line that holds us back from our own greatness and growth.

I can answer all of your questions with one word–Jesus. He is my guide, mentor, anchor, and inspiration. It is through an on-going internal conversation with Him that I proceed or not on any one thing. We have a non-stop status meeting of sorts where we work out issues and I receive step-by-step instructions, most times foregoing the usual artistic angst (which I did plenty of early in my career).

My story is I’ve been choreographing and teaching since high school. I had a short stint doing public relations for McDonald’s, then, while raising my kids, I taught at dance studios in Texas and Canada and directed musicals and plays at both my church in Plano and a private Christian school in Lucas, Texas. Now an empty nester, I’ve struck out on my own with Performance Supply Company and we will celebrate our tenth production this fall.

My brand is Instagram on the stage–lots of memorable picture moments–powered by encouragement for every diva and shy wallflower to cross their fear lines and shine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh! In DFW, I love to go to the Frisco Mercantile and browse all the unique vendors. I still crave La Hacienda’s fajitas and anytime I can see what’s playing at The Courtyard Theatre in Plano or at the Winspear or Dallas Summer Musicals, I’m in!

If you want to drive a bit for a fun day of shopping in a gorgeous grand home with food trucks and live music on a sprawling lawn go to 80 Acres Market in Gilmer, Texas. For food, atmosphere and more live music we love The Grove in Tyler, as well Broadway touring shows at the Cowan Center.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest encouragers are my husband of 34 years, Greg, and my three children, Lena, Liza and Cody. They cheer on my crazy ideas and, as with any family business, they pitch in! Greg builds my sets, my girls assist my classes and camps and they all help strike sets at every show and let me bounce all my ideas all along the process. I must also include my cousin, Paula Shumate! She is my biggest prayer warrior, creative collaborator, former assistant director et al, and as she and I always tease, the other half of the creative brain.

I think it’s high time that Kathy Willsey of Academy of Dance Arts in Allen, Texas knows that she has been a significant business mentor for me. I worked at ADA for 16 wonderful years teaching hip hop, jazz, drill team, and musical theatre. Kathy allowed myself and all of her instructors to be creative through our dance concepts and choreography; I always appreciated the artistic freedom. I also watched and learned how she operated her studio, giving me the impetus to try it myself.
Another mentor is my father. He owned a meat market in Austin for almost fifteen years. His no-nonsense approach, hard work ethic and traditional values in his business and life were ingrained in me since I rode shotgun in his truck five a.m. to the market. Daddy may not know anything about theatre, but he knows I’m pursuing my business dreams with his same God-honoring values and he often says he is proud of me.

Books that I go back to time again: “Breath for the Bones: Art, Imagination, and Sprit; Reflections on Creativity and Faith” by Luci Shaw; “John Wooden on Leadership” by John Wooden and Steve Jamison.

Website: https://www.performancesupplycompany.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performancesupplyco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/performancesupplyco/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNAD0tMKROm5bMPr-32pXkQ/featured

Other: https://myredjournals.wordpress.com

Image Credits
Some images by Kelton Henderson, Skylar Fondren, and Sam Guzman.

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