Hello! My name is Jessica Sloan. I’m a native Austinite who grew up in Southwest Austin and graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Broadcasting and a minor in Theatre.

​

From an early age, I was drawn to the entertainment industry. After college, I worked on a small independent film that led me to the Austin Film Society, where my career in the arts truly began. I interned there during the summer of 2004, which opened doors to further opportunities at Detour FilmProductions and Troublemaker Studios.

​

It was during my time at Troublemaker that I discovered my love for working with actors. This passion led me to roles at Beth Sepko Casting and Collier Talent Agency, where I worked with both Beth and Heather Collier. I became a full-time talent agent at Collier after Heather had her first baby, ultimately spending nearly seventeen years guiding actors and supporting their careers. While I cherished my time as an agent, I realized my true calling was in teaching and mentorship, which inspired me to start First Take.

​

I remain deeply engaged with the Austin creative community. I guest-speak at universities and acting studios, sharing insights and experiences from my years in the industry. In May 2024, I graduated from the Hispanic Austin Leadership Program through the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which strengthened my commitment to supporting local talent. I also serve as Community Partnerships Chair on the Board of Directors for Women in Film & Television Austin, actively fostering connections and collaborations within the industry. Recently, I joined Austin Business Woman, further connecting with other professionals and contributing to Austin’s vibrant business and creative community.

​

I continue to expand my skills and knowledge through workshops, marketing courses, and collaborations with organizations like People Fund. Through First Take, I guide actors in building their careers with confidence, offering coaching, classes, workshops, and the membership program Backstage Access.

Through all of these experiences, my focus remains the same: building meaningful connections, empowering actors, and supporting the thriving film and television community in Texas.