The Future has Arrived at the Kaufherr Resource Center!

It certainly wasn’t the best kept secret in town. 

Before Jess Jones even started in her new position as Kaufherr Resource Center director on Nov. 1, the Chicago entertainment community already was buzzing with the news. The anticipation and excitement were at a fever pitch.

For eight years, Jones was a well-known and beloved talent agent with Grossman & Jack Talent Agency, where she represented many SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local members in the agency’s on-camera theatrical division. So the news that Jones was coming on board to take up the Kaufherr Resource Center reins is music to the ears of Chicago Local members.

As a talent representative, Jones not only has helped develop and negotiate performers’ contracts for roles on television, in film and theater, but she has assisted artists in managing their media, development and marketing efforts. In addition to her vast experience as a talent agent, career highlights include working as a freelance casting associate with major Chicago casting offices such as Claire Simon Casting, O’Connor Casting and Paskal Rudnicke Casting. Prior to her work in the agency setting, she was involved in the Chicago Improv community, graduating from the Second City Conservatory while assisting in producing multiple years of the Chicago Improv Festival and the College Improv Tournament.
 
“I find it so inspiring that a member-driven, grassroots, development-minded and resource-focused space exists, and I am thrilled beyond measure that I have been afforded the opportunity to collaborate with actors in this arena,” Jones said. 

“My hope is that, through programming and resources made available through The Kaufherr Center, people will feel compelled to come to the Center. When they can’t, hopefully they can tune into our feeds via various social media outlets like our Kaufherr Headliner electronic newsletter and our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @kaufherrcenter to see what they’ve been missing out on,” said Jones. 

Jones feels strongly that there is a real sense of community and solidarity at the Center that will continue to grow. “I really believe that a space like this has the potential to be the conduit of a growing, member-led community that cultivates careers and conversations. I invite members to start the conversation by contacting me at jess.jones@kaufherrcenterchicago.com with their ideas and suggestions,” she added.

“We are extremely pleased that Jess decided to take over the Kaufherr,” said Eric Chaudron, SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Executive Director. “She has an amazing array of skills and shares our vision that the Kaufherr can be an impactful part of our Chicago Entertainment Community.”

The Kaufherr Resource Center is a 2,500-square-foot multipurpose venue that provides state-of-the-art audio and video suites for self-submitting auditions, Mac computer workstations, and a space for meetings, table reads, casting and networking. In addition, professional development workshops and seminars are offered year round. The Center’s close partnership with the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local allows members’ use of the space free of charge. For more information on the Center please visit KaufherrCenterChicago.com.