Ep. 87 Jesse McQueen | Inside “Romeo Pimp,” Playwriting & Creative Courage

In this episode of Creative Full Time, Alison Mullings speaks with playwright Jesse McQueen about her journey from childhood performances to the development of his powerful play "Romeo Pimp". The play explores the realities of sex trafficking, blending creativity and social impact in a way that challenges both the artist and the audience.

Jesse opens up about the unique challenges of adapting a screenplay into a stage play and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in writing, the courage it takes to share vulnerable and personal work, and the responsibility artists carry when telling stories that deal with difficult but essential topics.

We also explore the broader role of art in creating awareness and education around issues that are often overlooked. Jesse reflects on how creativity can be a force for change, while also offering insight into her own process as a playwright and storyteller. She shares advice to her younger self about embracing failure, taking risks, and allowing the creative process to unfold without fear.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How early creative experiences can shape a lifelong artistic journey
- The challenges of adapting a screenplay for the stage
- Why collaboration is essential in writing and theatre-making
- The role of vulnerability in sharing personal work with an audience
- How theatre can address social issues such as sex trafficking
- Practical advice for creatives on overcoming fear of failure

This episode is an honest and inspiring look at the intersection of personal creativity and social responsibility. Whether you are a playwright, actor, filmmaker, or someone passionate about the power of storytelling, Jesse’s journey offers valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and the impact of art.

Subscribe to Creative Full Time for more in-depth conversations with actors, playwrights, filmmakers, and creatives working in the Canadian entertainment industry.

Resources & Links

Learn more about Jesse McQueen: www.jessemcqueen.com  or on Instagram [at]jessssmcqueen
IMDb: imdb.me/jessemcqueen
Follow Creative Full Time on Instagram: [at]creativefulltime

Chapters
00:00 The Creative Journey Begins
04:48 From Script to Stage: The Birth of Romeo Pimp
09:38 Understanding Romeo Pimping and Its Impact
14:39 The Challenges of Adapting Stories for Theater
19:36 Messages of Hope and Awareness in Art
22:03 The Journey of Collaboration
24:54 Finding a Writing Process
30:14 Advice to Younger Creatives
33:13 Embracing Vulnerability in Creation
38:04 Anticipating the Premiere