Artist Interview with Jackie Vetter: Women of the West
Spring 2025 Artist-in-Residence at Missoula Public Library
Audience applause during Jackie Vetter’s artist presentation at Missoula Public Library, April 2025
Tell us about your artistic background and who helped you on your journey.
I’ve been a theatre kid forever. I’ve been on stage since 7 years old and working professionally since 21 years old. I attended Slippery Rock University and earned a BA in theatre. And have worked all over the US since I graduated! I wouldn’t be here without the likes of Linda Fundis, Phil Mullet (from Big Sky), Carolyn Behr-Jerome, Laura Smiley, Gordon Phetteplace (UM Graduate), David Skeele, Reba Morrice, Elizabeth Mangham, and Carson Becker. I’ve been so motivated and inspired by so many people.
Jackie as a young performer
Describe your Open AIR Residency experience. For example, how did you spend your time, construct your space, or engage with the community?
As someone who has their own theatre company (Anaconda Theatre Ensemble), I am used to managing my own time. But usually with a structured project and an end goal. The luxury of exploring without the pressure of output was freeing for me as an artist and helped me open up possibilities. For me, the day was all about vibes and energy. Since I didn’t have a true working space, I wandered throughout the Library. I often did make the Montana Room my home but worked on every level of the Library - enjoying its vastness and views.
What role does place play in your work, especially during your time at Open AIR? Usually, I work within a space-less theatre company— the location is always changing; it is the very definition of site-specific theatre. In this case, I enjoyed the idea of being tied to a space like the library. I spent my first day reading and looking for inspiration in the space, and that’s how the project was born.
Jackie Vetter writing in the Montana Room at Missoula Public Library
For you, what's the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative?
Creating connection. That connection can be with the character or someone different than you. It could be with the audience. Your community. Other artists. This particular residency was awesome because I was living with visual artists so being able to learn from their process was also rewarding.
How would you describe the evolution of your work, and how do you hope your audience perceives it?
The idea for my project, ‘Women of the West’, came to me about a year before and I shoved the idea away for many reasons. Maybe I was overwhelmed by beginning a large writing project? But once I found inspiration in the Montana Room and the subject of the portion of the play I wanted to write - it was easy! I hope that my audience sees the potential of the piece. I know the content that was presented was raw - but that’s what working on new plays is. I hope they also see the need for more female writers, female narratives, and the amplification of Montana voices.
Reading of ‘Women of the West’ at Missoula Public Library featuring local actors Jasmine Sherman, Lynn Soloman, and Rachel Shull, written and directed by Jackie Vetter
How did the residency influence or change your artistic direction? Can you share how the residency opened new avenues for exploration?
My residency felt truly like a time for exploration and learning. I have never considered myself a writer, and this gave me the opportunity to add a hyphenate to my theatre practice in a big way. I am very unsure of my writing and some of that comes from fear of criticism and a fear of the unknown. But I worked with such a warm group of women as actors for the reading, and in-residence, each offered thoughtful and concise feedback that made a real impact.
What keeps you returning to this subject, body of work?
I’ve never really been political in a grand sense. Especially in understanding how to mobilize. But I am encouraged by those around me who are. I think I keep coming back to this piece, ‘Women of the West’, because art and theatre are my mobilization. And that is encouraging me to continue with this piece.
Rope Trick promotional materials featuring Jackie in the 3-women play
What are you up to now (post Open AIR)?
I am producing Anaconda Ensemble Theatre’s 4th season which includes the World Premiere of ‘The Rope Trick’ directed by Tessa Welsch, written by Steven San Luis. ‘The Rope Trick’, features three women roles and I play the role of Diana, as well as producing. Staged at the Montana Hotel in Anaconda, MT, the production opens November 14 and closes November 22 - learn more here! I also wrote a pilot of a TV show (I suppose I am a writer), which I’m working on funding. And I’m interested in more opportunities to work on ‘Women of the West’ and moving it forward.
Tell us about your most recent solo exhibition/performance/publication.
I am currently on the ‘State of Mind’ tour, which is a theatre and public dialogue project touring Montana through 2026. I’ve been with the project since May 2024. The project is a co-production of the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination and Montana Repertory Theatre.
This interview has been edited slightly for clarity.
Visit These Links to Find Out More About Jackie Vetter
Jackie’s Open AIR Artist Presentation
JackieFreemanVetter.com
Anacondaensembletheatre.com
Anaconda Ensemble Theatre on social media