Biography
Jena is a New York based SAG-AFTRA actress, host, dancer, and model, whose interests and experiences range from physical comedy to drama and from stage to screen. She is known for her exceptional professionalism, playful attitude, and fierce dedication to her work.
Born and bred in New York, Jena grew up as a right-brained middle child, clearly destined for the limelight. She began performing at two years old and developed an interest in acting by age seven when she performed the role of Abu in 'Aladdin." She began her rigorous acting training at the Broadway Training Center before heading to Northeastern University where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's of Science in Performance Theatre and Media Communications. There, she was cast in every play she auditioned for, freshman through senior year, with characters ranging from a physically abused teen, an emotionally abusive "mean girl," and a hilarious hapless ex-Duchess. Jena's on-camera training began at Northeastern as well, and she was often cast in student films.
Since graduation, Jena has furthered her studies as a member of various theatre companies, and as a participant in industry acting workshops and classes. She hones her comedy chops at Upright Citizens Brigade and is a member of The Actor's Project NYC, with whom she earned her first Off-Broadway credit. That performance debuted to a sold out audience and garnered interest from the industry, which landed her multiple representation in New York. Additionally, she is represented in the Boston area.
Jena continues to study on-camera technique in a classroom setting with various educators including Heidi Marshall, who is also her private coach. She knows the importance of creating relationships, and has personally been called in by prominent casting directors based on her reputation, ambition, and talent. She is a firm believer in continuing to study, learn, create, and grow as a person, with the awareness that acting is not just about the fleeting time on set, but about the evolution of the human being.
