Jacque Carnahan

When I Joined ETA & What I Love About Working Here

Professional Background

Jacque is a performer, writer, and producer originally hailing from sunny California. Jacque is thrilled to partner with ETA as their Director of Arts Programing. Jacque is uniquely suited for this position due to her extensive experience in the performing arts on Broadway and around the country. Her unique combination of performance and producing experience is put to the test as the Artistic Director of ETA’s annual Broadway Benefit, Arts for Autism, as well as planning workshops, masterclasses, and memorable performing arts experiences for students visiting New York City as well as many other major cities across the country.

After graduating from The Boston Conservatory cum laude, Jacque joined the National Tour of Cinderella. Her Off Broadway credits include: Hortense in The Boyfriend, Nicole in The Baker’s Wife at the York Theater, A Child’s Christmas in Wales at The Irish Repertory Theater. Regional credits: Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House Pirates of Penzance, Baltimore Center Stage A Little Night Music, and Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast at Gateway Playhouse. Jacque originated the role of Lydia Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice directed by Mark Lamos and later off-Broadway at the Signature Theatre in New York.

Jacque has performed at venues such as 54 Below, Green Room 42, Town Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, and Alice Tully Hall. Jacque is a graduate of Idyllwild Arts Academy and is a National Foundation For the Arts award recipient. Currently, Jacque is writing her first full musical, TWIRL!, a mother-daughter coming of age story set in the world of competitive baton twirling. www.jacquecarnahan.com

Fun Facts About Jacque

Interesting Facts
I went to boarding school, I LOVE swimming and being in the water, I lived in eight different houses by the time I was 13, and my Dad sold church carillons (bells) for a living. There is a picture of me next to one of the bells when I was three and it’s four times my size!

Favorite Place Traveled:
I hate to say this because I’m from there, but my favorite place to travel is still California. The WEATHER, the beaches, the pine trees, the food! It’s just the best.

Favorite subject to study in school:
Does tap class count!? Definitely tap class.

Most Recent Passport Stamp:
Germany, specifically Berlin.

Most unexpected moment while traveling:
Actually in Berlin! I was traveling with Sothebys Art Institute and we were at an art installation. I was drawn to one of the pieces and noticed it was labeled “Arroyo Grande”. The piece was inspired by a tiny town near where I grew up in California! What are the chances?

Window seat or aisle seat?
Aisle! Unless it’s a quick flight. I don’t like feeling trapped.

Dream destination (not yet visited):
Greece!

Go-to travel snack:
Not big on snacks, but I’m obsessed with staying hydrated so you’ll typically see me with two large bottles of water and a coconut water if I can find it!

One thing I hope students gain from traveling:
That the world is full of possibilities.