“Proof” - Role of Catherine
In Fall 2023 I had the absolute pleasure of taking on the role of Catherine in McLean Community Players’ production of “Proof”.
This was one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever done and I believe it was some of my best work yet.
“Among the cast, Jess Rawls is strong as Catherine, showing vulnerability as she deals with the demise of her father … and her relationship with Hal …” - Read full review HERE!
“Overall, this cast dives eagerly into the emotional “meat” of this play and it shows. As Catherine, Rawls is up to the task of this daughter-left-behind moment. She is sad, angry, confused, and in a state of limbo as she deftly brings the audience along with her through all of these versions of who she is now.” - Read full review HERE!
“American Idiot” - Role of Ben
In July 2023 I played Ben in the ensemble for American Idiot The Musical with McLean Community Players.
Both demanding vocally and physically, this show was some of the most fun I’ve had on stage!
“... a true crowd-pleaser aided by the nostalgia of a score that connects the audience in a visceral way.” - Read full review HERE!
"Its an intense ride, but one worth taking … and with some fine music to boot." - Read full review HERE!
“... a lightning bolt of intensity...well-staged...full of passionate performances coupled with an electric, eight-member orchestra... Go see this show...” - Read full review HERE!
Board Member - Mclean Community Players
In 2023 I was invited to join the board for the McLean Community Players as their Secretary and Social Media manager. It’s been a very rewarding experience.
“Stop Kiss” - Role of Callie
In March 2023, Reston Community Players produced the play Stop Kiss where I had the incredible opportunity to play the lead role of Callie.
“Rawls, a director herself and master chameleon, is exceptional as Callie, anchoring every scene while unstuck in time.” - Read full review HERE!
“The Show Must Go On!” - A Musical Revue
McLean Community Players’ return to the Alden is on September 23 and 24 at 8PM, and a matinee on Saturday at 2PM, with a gala revue remembering songs from past shows and looking to the future.
In addition to co-directing, I’ll be singing “Hear Me Out” from the podcast musical 36 Questions
“Two unique songs … “Hear Me Out” from 36 Questions by Jess Rawls — had me wanting more.” - read full review HERE!
“Celtic Spring” - Staged Reading
Shoestring Theater cast me as the Storyteller in a beautiful reading called Celtic Spring.
Using story-telling, music and dance, this original production brings to life the story of the Irish god of Art and sun and his quest to bring art to a new world — the Appalachians. Originally developed and planned for spring 2020, the production is a tribute to its late co-creator, Howard Rhile, a long supporter of Fairfax arts.
“Lace Weaver Spiders” - Preview Shoot
''When CPS take her infant daughter, Megan, a former addict who has relapsed on oxycodone pills, turns to her estranged self-centered mother, Lauren, for help. Forced by their economic hardships and personal problems, they start dealing pills which pushes them deeper into the world of drug abuse and forces them to face consequences that will change their relationship forever in the backdrop of a poverty-stricken rural American town.''
Written by Kristel Lleshi.
“Stop Kiss” - Staged Reading
In August 2020, I was so lucky to be cast as Detective Cole in a socially distanced staged reading version of Next Gen LTA’s (Little Theater of Alexandria) “Stop Kiss”.
We hope to do a full production when it’s safe! Stay tuned!
“Girl Gone: Or Before a League of Their Own” - Role of Jackie
I’m so happy to announce that I’ll be playing the role of Jackie in “Girl Gone: Or Before a League of Their Own” by Layon Gray on Saturdays this February 2020 at the Actor’s Temple Theatre.
“Belleville” on -
A 2019 Ten Best List
Company of Fools production of “Belleville” was named one of the TOP TEN BEST SHOWS IN 2019!
I’m so grateful that the hard work we put into this show had paid off. Abby was one of my most favorite roles to play and I’m so glad others enjoyed it as well.
Shout out to Darryl Reilly, critic, for such a great review. You can find the original article in my post below from TheatreScene.Net
Reviews of “Belleville”
Company of Fools production of “Belleville” was an extreme success! I’m so proud of the work we did and will miss the role of Abby tremendously.
We had incredibly positive reviews including:
“With her flowing dark hair, throaty vocal delivery and quirky presence, Jess Rawls is entrancing as the morose Abby. Ms. Rawls effortlessly conveys the character’s dysfunctional traits to great effect.” - read the full review HERE
“…the tight and committed ensemble of actors deliver this compelling play that answers questions, as it raises more.” - read the full review HERE
“Belleville” - Role of Abby
In addition to One in Four, this September I’ll be playing the role of Abby in Amy Herzog’s Belleville!
Young Americans Zack and Abby have the perfect ex-pat life in Paris: a funky bohemian apartment in up-and-coming Belleville; a stable marriage; and Zack's noble mission to fight pediatric AIDS. But when Abby finds Zack at home one afternoon when he's supposed to be at work, the questions and answers that follow shake the foundation of their seemingly beautiful life.
Dog Stuff presents: “One in Four” - AGAIN!
One in Four is back and better than ever! I will be revising the role of Carrie for a THIRD time at Brooklyn Comedy Collective on September 1st, 2019!
Check out our review in Broadway World HERE!
Bird/Plane -Reviving at NYSummerfest!
In July 2019 I will have the pleasure of bringing back one of my favorite pieces, Bird/Plane. It will perform at the NYSummerfest Festival starring myself, my dear friend Matt Mitchell, and directed by my best and extremely talented friend Becky Granger.
‘Dee’ Fundraiser - Officially LAUNCHED!
For my birthday, I’ve launched the ‘Dee’ campaign and would love your donation and/or help with exposure by emailing to to your friends and family and posting it on your social media.
‘Dee’ is getting produced - and I NEED YOUR HELP!
Remember that super cool contest I submitted my screenplay for? Well thanks to all your votes, I CAME IN SECOND PLACE! Second place prize was to get a professional fundraising video created. I’ll use this video to raise funds for actors, equipment, crew, etc. and all leftover funds will be donated to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. Keep an eye out for the final product and please pass it along for donations!
Vote for 'Dee'! - Reproductions Screenplay Contest
I've decided to re-write my original short play, "D", as a short film, and have submitted it into a screenplay contest and I need YOUR VOTE!
'Dee' is a hilarious story about a girl named Amy who is learning to coexist with her depression. The grand prize of the contest is to get the winning film fully produced by the Reproductions team. It would be a dream come true for this to come to life and I believe it could bring some joy to a lot of people.
See you on set!
One in Four - "Absurdity at it's funniest"
One in Four by Nu Puppis was revived this past April at The Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to the five star review we originally received in summer 2017 (at DC Fringe) we've received an additional 4 stars and six more POSITIVE reviews! You can check them out below:
"...the four young actors adeptly massaged the audience's funny bone" - read review HERE!
"...another important reason to produce new work -- to take audiences places they've never been before." - read review HERE!
"The exploratory Carrie is played with a lot of verve by Jess Rawls as she embraces the wildness of her new life." - read review HERE!
"One in Four was headed for success, and success it got." - read review HERE!
"It’s funny. It’s hilarious. It makes you laugh. That’s all it needs to be." - read review HERE!
"A scrappy, wacky romp into absurd farce by 4 accomplished talents." - read review HERE!
One in Four - Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, VA
Remember that hilarious show I was a part of at the DC Fringe Festival in the summer of 2017? The one that received a 5-STAR REVIEW!? (If you don't, scroll down).
If you do, but you missed it, you get a second chance! We have been invited to perform Nu Puppis' "One in Four" by Levi Meerovich again at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, Virginia! Come check it out in April 2018!
Period Piece - Revived at the Strawberry One Act Festival
After submitting my short play, "Period Piece", to the Strawberry One Act Festival, it has been accepted and will perform in Spring 2018. I'm hoping to revive with the cast it was written for, but that confirmation is TBD, however I do plan to direct it. The festival is a competition and first prize receives $1,500! I'll need your vote!
Bird/Plane - Playwright/Lead
In November 2017 I had the pleasure of producing my second one-act festival with River City Stages. I was lucky enough to not only put up a one-act I'd written, but to star in it as well with the very talented Matt Mitchell. Under the direction of Becky Granger, I could not be more proud of the product.
Macbeth Tour - Hudson Shakespeare Co.
In October 2017 I toured a production of "Macbeth" around the New Jersey area with a cast of 5 other amazing people. I played multiple roles including: Witch 2/Lady Macduff/Duncan/Lenox/Seyton
One in Four - Five Star Review!
In Summer 2017 I had the pleasure of being in a production with Nu Puppis at the DC Capital Fringe Festival entitled "One in Four". A hilarious show, written by Levi Meerovich, about four alien roommates trying to pass off being human. I played Carrie an uptight nurse studying humanity.
We received a 5-star review for this performance at Cap Fringe! You can read the review here!
(Yes, that is a mask of my face on an alien created by the very talented Dixon Cashwell).
Cursed - Role of Mary Bell
In the summer of 2015 I was asked to audition for a role in A&E's Investigation Discovery television series, "Cursed: The Bell Witch". While I did not receive the initial role I auditioned for, I was later asked to accept the role of Mary Bell without an audition. All episodes can be found on the A&E website, I am in episode 2!