Meet the Teacher: Jessica Blackhurst

[Musical Theater]

At The HeART Collective, our teachers aren’t just instructors — they’re members of this community who show up every week to share something they love. Today we’d like you to meet Jessica Blackhurst, who teaches Grow With Shows' Musical Theater classes here at The HeART Collective in Payson, UT.

If you haven't already heard of Grow With Shows — it’s a company Katie and Jessica have been building together for the last four years, writing and producing short-form training musicals. Earlier this year, after bringing Jeremy on board, the team rebranded and officially launched as Grow With Shows. The mission is simple: give every student equitable, lead-quality training. Every script is written so that each cast member has equal roles — equal: lines, solos, dance opportunities, and character development. No auditions. No hierarchy. Just growth.

We are thrilled to offer this specialized training right here at The HeART Collective, giving every student — regardless of experience or current skill level — the opportunity to discover the beauty of performance.

We interviewed Jessica and this is what she shared.

Theater Found Me Early

I’ve been directing theater since high school. I went on to get a degree in film from BYU, with an emphasis in writing and directing. Then I met Katie, and we started writing musicals together. Now I get to use all of those passions to help every student who joins one of our shows discover the lead quality they have inside of them.

What I love most about teaching musical theater is the way people don’t even realize they’re learning life lessons — because when you deliver them through song and dance, it just sneaks right in. And it’s SO fun to watch characters come to life the way kids picture them while they’re singing awesome music.

Theater Is a Team Sport

The one thing I wish every student knew before their first class: theater is a team sport. If you want to have a great show, come prepared to work hard, memorize lines, and connect with your team so that you can all lift each other.

My teaching style is: Honest. Fun. Creative.

We’ve had students come through the doors unable to even speak aloud with us. When we finally get that shell to crack open — when we turn on a confidence they didn’t know they had — that is the best moment in theater. That’s why we designed our Training Musicals the way we did and why we teach the way we do. Our foundational principle is that ALL students deserve to be leads, because stepping into a lead role unlocks a confidence they never knew they had.

Writing Is in My BlooD

Outside of teaching, I write musicals. Constantly. I also own another business, Write My Heart Song, writing memorial songs — songs that honor the life of someone who has passed on. It’s a deep passion of mine. Helping families celebrate those they love and find joy even in the mourning… there’s nothing quite like it.

This Class Was Made for First Timers

If you’re nervous or on the fence, I want you to know: this is the perfect theater class for first timers. It is literally unlike any other theater class you will ever take — because here, we’re focused on YOU and your growth, not the audience.

Yes, we perform for an audience. But Grow With Shows musicals are written specifically for the actors, to give each performer lead-quality training. We want to give every student a chance to discover the power they have within, the light they have to share, and help them grow in their own skills. Plus — mini-musicals are incredibly fun.

I’m honored to be able to teach and write for this community. It brings me incredible joy.

Check out classes offered by Jessica N.S. Blackhurst at The HeART Collective and give your kid (ages 8–18) the chance to step into their own spotlight, discover a confidence they didn't know they had, and experience the thrill of performance — where everyone gets to be the lead.