What skills do you think are most crucial for an actor to learn beyond their performance craft?  Jennifer Dean shares the challenges of learning the entire business of acting, including marketing and production. How do you balance the emotional impact of deeply engaging with a role while maintaining a clear line between your character and personal reality? Today Alicia Araujo-Elatassi from the Senora Vibes Podcast and I sit down with Jennifer Dean, the managing director of Fourth Wall Theatre in Houston. Jennifer shares her journey of motherhood and her profound love for the arts, discussing the transformative role that personal experiences have played in shaping her career in the art of storytelling. Get ready to explore the intricate world of acting as Jennifer enlightens us on the realities of the business, including the significance of mastering marketing, production, and the subtle nuances of film and stage performances. She opens up about the delicate balance between her passions and her dedication to family, revealing how becoming a mother and dealing with aging parents have deepened her emotional range as an actress. We talk the importance and creativity of date nights, sharing how even activities like CrossFit and improv can strengthen a marriage. Discover cool restaurants and enriching art activities that can add spice to your dates.Moreover, for theater enthusiasts and aspiring actors, Jennifer brings an inside look at selecting and casting shows, the art of memorization through muscle memory, and the thrill of live theater. Peek behind the curtain as we discuss the emotional pull of their current production, "The Father,” and the theater's commitment to not just entertain, but to also impact society through art. Don’t miss Jennifer's personal anecdotes on navigating the vulnerable world of acting, from handling love interests on stage to the complex dynamics of off-stage relationships. So, get comfy, tune in, and let's revel in the rich tapestry of stories, experiences, and expert advice on today's episode of Better Call Daddy. Jennifer Dean has been part of the Houston theatre community for over 20 years. After graduating from Baylor University with a BFA in theater performance, Jennifer moved to Houston in the summer of 2000 to be an intern with A.D. Players National Touring Unit. Only planning to stay in Houston for a year, Jennifer met her husband, Kevin, and happily 20+ years later Houston is home. Over the years, Jennifer has appeared in shows at A.D. Players, Stages Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theater, Classical Theater Company and 4th Wall Theatre Company. Her most recent role was Kari in The Pavilion at 4th Wall and one that she will treasure.  In the last 10 years, directing has become more of a passion. Among some of her directing favorites are 12 Angry Men, Leaving Iowa, Every Brilliant Thing and Tuesdays with Morrie at A.D. Players and The God Game, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and The Realistic Joneses at 4th Wall Theatre, for which she won the Houston Press Best Director award in 2019. Over the years she had also served as marketing director, box office manager, development assistant, intern director and spent thirteen years on staff at her church working as communications director, worship service producer and executive assistant. Her absolute favorite roles are as wife to Kevin Dean and mother to their daughter, Livey. She joined 4th Wall Theatre Company as Managing Director in January of 2023. Come see a show at 4th Wall Theatre https://www.4thwalltheatreco.com/ https://www.instagram.com/4thwallhouston/   Connect with Alicia https://www.instagram.com/senoravibespodcast/ https://linktr.ee/Vibesbyalicia   If you liked this podcast check out the other episode with Alicia and I sharing lessons learned about podcasting https://bettercalldaddy.podbean.com/e/328-alicia-araujo-elatassi/   Connect with Reena bettercalldaddy.com linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts twitter.