Pugsley was the best Jacklene “Jackie” Garcia thought she could hope for. Her heart was set on Wednesday Addams in Edna Hill Middle School’s 2017 production — but that dream felt far out of reach. Even landing Pugsley felt like a stretch for the eighth grader just dipping her toes into theater.
But the director saw talent, drive and a positive spark — something Garcia didn’t yet see in herself. She was asked to read not only for Wednesday but also for Mrs. Addams, too.
After the nerve-wracking auditions and agonizing wait, the cast list went up outside the theater. Garcia scanned the ensemble names, then panicked when hers wasn’t there. Maybe she hadn’t made it at all.
Her eyes kept scanning as the disappointment clouded her mind. She made her way up to the top of the list. And there it was, in black and white. But for Garcia, then 14, her name popped as if it were lit up on a Broadway marquee.
Wednesday — Jacklene “Jackie” Garcia.
Performer’s roots
Garcia grew up second-youngest in a family of seven. Her parents had started their family young — both younger than the 21-year-old herself — and were still kids themselves when they began raising children.
Her sisters were close in age to one another, but about 10 years older than Garcia.
Despite the age gap, their bond was close — centered around tough love. Constant teasing and jokes were common, especially toward the younger siblings. At first, Garcia didn’t perceive this as love. Instead, she saw it as a calling to act — a chance to become the version of herself others seemed to want.
She was under constant pressure to be perfect, careful to avoid any missteps or the feeling of the world watching her. But everything changed when she discovered theater.
Theater became her new language — a way to stop seeking approval and start discovering who she truly was. For much of her life, she’d lived trapped in anxiety and self-doubt, unsure of how to face the world. Performing helped her break free — shedding the shell that kept her hidden and stepping into something braver.
“There are things I wish I did differently, but I’m also grateful for the things I went through,” Garcia said. “I felt like it made me stronger and made me appreciate everything that was around me.”
THE STAGE is where she found the freedom to explore who she was beyond expectations. Garcia credits her early performances with helping her navigate her anxiety. (Photo by Sam Barnes/ The Express)
An entertainer to mask this inner anxiety
To her family, Garcia was a natural-born entertainer. She made everyone around her laugh in her own way.
She’d do impressions and skits, letting her creative mind run free. When the siblings played “Just Dance,” Garcia repeated the same routine — it was the safe choice for her, she knew she could do it well and impress others.
Her older sister Johannah Garcia, is 10 years her senior and instinctively took on a protective role.
“She felt like she needed to be that comic relief or that happy, bubbly chaos, the kind of offset within the chaos that happened inside our family home,” Johannah said. “But I always told her ‘You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.’”
A heart once given, now on display
In sixth grade, Garcia’s cousin Morgan Delachevrotiere begged her to audition for their school’s musical, “Crazy for You.” Garcia hesitated — it was all new to her. But the chance to try something unfamiliar alongside a familiar face was enough to spark her curiosity.
“Morgan has always been in theater, dance and everything … she has lots of experience,” Garcia said. “I was like, ‘She’s really good,’ I didn’t know if I would be good enough.”
A quiet voice of doubt lingered, casting a shadow of hesitation over her decision. Little did she know, this leap of faith would shape the course of her future in theater.
Garcia felt the nerves of auditioning, the thrill of seeing her name on the cast list, the joy of pre-show rituals and the rush of performing for an audience. The experience was bittersweet — good things never last. As the curtains fell, she was already longing to feel it all again.
“I definitely still had anxiety, but I think being a character was a lot easier for me to come out of that,” Garcia said. “I’m not me, I’m playing someone else … Theater really helped with my anxiety.”
Under the warm embrace of the spotlight, Garcia’s confidence began to grow. The vibrant energy of the audience inspired her — and something inside clicked.
A dedication throughout theater
Theater was rewarding for her, but as auditioned more, her hopes for a chance at center stage were stripped away. Her hard work was recognized after being given arrays of smaller roles but was often a bittersweet reminder that her dreams were out of reach.
“One time, one of the leads was sick, and the director asked me to fill in.” Garcia said. “I was so grateful for the opportunity, but I always felt like a second choice, which killed me.”
The cycle of auditioning and being cast in supporting roles discouraged her. She loved performing and gave her all to every role, but part of her yearned for the spotlight.
“In high school, I wanted to be a marine biologist. Then I was like, ‘Oh, you have to do math? Never mind,’” Garcia said.
After high school, unsure of her path, Garcia joined the Las Positas Actor’s Conservatory to spend her time wisely. Her first production — Footloose in July 2023 — marked a major milestone.She landed the female lead.
She hadn’t expected much, assuming the casting team wouldn’t either. But they saw something different — her fresh, more humanized take on the role stood out from the usual by-the-book auditions.
Her performance struck a chord with audiences, helping her sharpen her skills as an actress.
Unlike high school theater — where favoritism reigned and directing felt like babysitting — the conservatory was a space for honest feedback, growth and a taste of professional theater.
“After being in Footloose, I definitely knew I wanted to pursue this 100%,” Garcia said. “I felt like I broke a brick wall down, and when the next one is there — I’m ready for it.”
Next steps for Garcia
In May 2025, Garcia earned certificates of achievement in Acting, Musical Theater and the Actors Conservatory from LPC. She’s now working toward an associate degree in Theater Arts and plans to transfer to a four-year university by fall 2026.
In the meantime, Garcia is passing on her expertise to the next cohort of performers.
“I really admire the advice she gives and the mentor she is to me,” said fellow classmate Ella Bracken. “I feel like sometimes when I’m struggling in theater, I think, ‘What would Jackie do?’”
She has also stepped into roles beyond acting — including assistant choreographer for LPC’s summer 2025 production of “The Wizard of Oz.” She guided fellow performers, helpsed them build skills and, most importantly, supported them in finding the confidence to express their authentic selves onstage.
“Trust yourself. Not everything is going to work out how you think it should, and that’s OK,” said Garcia. “Trust that you’re talented. Trust that not every opportunity is meant for you. Have that faith in yourself like you do in others.”
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Top Photo: Jackie Garcia earned her first lead role in ‘Footloose’ at Las Positas College summer of 2023. The production marked a turning point for her confidence and Garcia learned to trust her talent and her voice. (Photo by Sam Barnes/The Express)
Kiarra Bautista is a staff writer for The Express. Follow her on Instagram @KiarraFaithh.
