Jessica Brandao

I am Jessica Brandão, a multi-disciplinary writer and creative professional with a First-Class degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies.

Over the past few years, I have expanded my creative horizons through my passions for theatre, performance, and film. I explore multi-media editing to bring life to my artistic expressions. My fascination with and education in analogue media technologies have empowered me to take a proactive approach in my creative journey, enabling me to blend vintage techniques with modern media.

I strive to replicate the human experience to connect with my audiences through immersive installations, brand campaigns, and mixed-media displays. Individuality is important to me; I love celebrating people’s uniqueness and showcasing diverse cultures that are often overlooked in contemporary media.

Whether through my textiles, fibre arts, poetry, audio walks, short films, 35mm photography, or social media campaigns, I aim to connect with those who have not been reached before.

Community Communication (Excellent written and verbal communication skills): 

As a performer, I am very comfortable speaking to large audiences, but I also know how to manage smaller meetings effectively. I take pride in my voice and understand its impact, allowing me to convey complex information and adapt my communication style to suit different audiences. At Loudspeaker Ltd, I fostered a high-performance culture by coaching and empowering individuals in public speaking workshops attended by over 120 participants. My focus was on creating a safe space for self-expression, enabling participants to navigate the world with confidence. I learned that personal inspiration and self-belief are essential for authoritative speaking. Embracing failure is not just a lesson but also a catalyst for determination and growth. This mindset allows us to achieve our goals, both individually and as a cohesive team. During my three years at the University of Sheffield, I consistently demonstrated a disciplined writing practice, producing numerous first-class essays, assignments, and a dissertation, all with strong attention to detail. Moreover, I believe it is essential to welcome criticism and embrace change to maintain engagement.

Strong creative direction: I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. The interpersonal skills I have developed through my performance-oriented professional experiences enable me to think creatively and engage audiences that are currently being overlooked. I have extensive experience in creating and implementing communication plans, which include responsibilities such as Deputy Managing Theatres, programming and operating events, and production management. As a performer with a deep-rooted passion for theatre, I am committed to continually improving myself and prioritising all aspects of a company’s values.

Project management and strict organisation: I prioritise organisational methods in my personal life to facilitate a smoother transition into my professional life. I am confident in using Google Calendar, filing reports, storyboarding presentations, and creating agendas to stay on top of deadlines. This skill set developed during my presidency at a local Performing Arts Society, where I managed and delegated tasks to the Treasurer, Communications Officer, Fundraising/Sponsorship Officer, and inclusion officer to provide the best services for our members. I have cultivated the ability to build and maintain effective relationships through negotiation and stakeholder management skills. While serving as Deputy Manager at the Montgomery Theatre in Sheffield, I organized the touring company’s itineraries and collaborated with the general management team. My responsibilities included drafting and issuing contracts for artists, stage management, and technical staff across productions, as well as coordinating logistics for load-ins and load-outs, managing budgets, and sourcing equipment, materials, and resources. This involved creating operational sheets, stage layouts, and rehearsal schedules, among other tasks.

Research and analytical skills: I have developed an organised and systematic approach to my work. I take the time to explore local archives, online publications, and both historical and contemporary reports and literature. As a result, I am familiar with the principles of cataloguing and metadata, and I understand intellectual property and data protection legislation as it pertains to archive collections and their users. I am proficient in Microsoft 365, Google, Canva and Adobe software, which enables me to create various types of multimedia content, including written posts, graphic designs, and video productions.

The University of Sheffield 

BA(Hons) in English and Theatre Studies:  Class One Honours