Jessie studied at New York University and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater from the University of South Florida. She is also a certified teacher. She has worked in television for companies such as CBS, Paramount Pictures, MTV and Sesame Workshop. Jessie has trained and taught improvisation techniques in the United States and abroad. Jessie’s Improv Effect Acting classes have been voted one of the best theater programs in Jacksonville on the WJXT JAX HOT LIST. She has been featured in Skirt! Magazine, My Clay Sun, The Advantage Business Magazine, The Jacksonville Business Journal and The Florida Times Union. Jessie is the owner of the IMPROV EFFECT a corporate improv training business.
Testimonials:
“It was a great workshop! One of the best we’ve had in our 15 years at Aerostar!” Dawn Blackledge, Principal Engineer - Aerostar Environmental Services
Spending time in court, I thought that I was skilled at reading people
and knowing what they thought and expected of me. After one session
of Improv, I was able to see people and notice more- not only of
others, but how they viewed me. The ability to accurately decipher
how people are absorbing your message has a boundless value in any
profession. I didn’t even know what I was missing by not doing the
Improv Effect sooner.- Graham W. Syfert, Esq. Florida/Georgia Attorney at Law
Affinity Law Firm, P.L.
“We used Improv Effects to help introduce a number of new concepts to a large corporate team, and they really helped bring the ideas to life. Our team enjoyed the departure from our standard business presentations, and became really engaged in how the concepts played out in some humorous ‘real-life’ scenarios. A positive and fun way to get the themes across.” Trent Gavazzi, Vice President and CTO of Availity, L.L.C.
Jessie’s company The Improv Effect opened the conference with a very special, hilarious, enlightening, and highly effective “program.” I’ll just say, if she can engage 80 software developers at BizConf and have their complete undivided attention, she’ll “kill” at PAMC. Weave her talents into the entire conference and you’ll want her back every year. Ellen Miner Radd online
Jessie Shternshus is a dynamic powerhouse because she offers real tools that develop real communication for corporate America. She has a unique style and a creative way to bring about enhanced learning to all of her audiences. Her format is readily acceptable by all. Her tone is inspirational in nature yet the research and quality of the program is highly technical. Once you understand the power of Improv Effect you will be sure to have Jessie return again and again so that the entire organization will experience benefits that are measurable and scalable. Sheryl Lynn, CEO and Founder of The Local Applause Network.
I will be able to read people better, listen more and think better on my feet. Jessie made improv fun and I will definitely be able to apply these concepts professionally. Jason Seifer, Web Developer at Twistedmind Inc.
The concepts I learned in The Improv Effect Workshop, will help me to build better relationships with my customers, in order to gain more sales. Mandee McCombs, Sales Associate at Pulte Homes
The Improv Effect is an excellent way to build teamwork within any organization. Gust G. Sarris, M.B.A., J.D.
Attorney At Law/Business Consultant Affinity Law Firm P. L.
I loved improv class!!! It’s a really good time. I find it amazing how quickly I’ve incorporated some of the teachings into my everyday life. In conversations, I’m quicker and more confident about sticking to my word. In essence, committing to my thoughts. Thanks for offering such an insightful program. Rachel Calandra, Action News WTEV Jacksonville CBS47 WAWS Jacksonville FOX30
Taking the Improv Course that Jessie offers was revealing, enlightening, fun, and an incredible tool to increase overall effectiveness in the areas of sales and public speaking. Her workshops were some of the greatest value I have ever received. Each week I laughed and had fun beyond my imagination for hours in her being completely uninhibited and out of the box while taking learning to the next level. She challenged me and made me a much better observer of others and myself. In short, for the price of a dinner date I got to have a blast one night a week for a month. I highly recommend her work for personal and business developement skills. In fact I have taken it twice and will continue to take her courses just for the fun and laughter I receive each week. It is a very relaxing, healing experience that takes me away from the stress of daily life.
Freddie Zeringue, Natural Awakenings Magazine Publisher
Jessie’s presentation, How to Improv(e) Your Communications Skills, was a huge hit with the WorkSource Professional Network group. This workshop taught us to become better listeners, to be aware of the signals we send, and to handle the unexpected. We gained confidence as we learned to react quickly and think on our feet. These skills are important in all areas of our lives, but are essential for an effective job search, especially, in a competitive job market.
Patsy Partin, WorkSource Professional Network Coordinator
I have learned to listen to other people more. I see more humor in everyday situations- John Porter-Aircraft Examiner Naval Air Station
The Improv Effect has helped me to be more confident in front of the classroom and to make important last-minute changes to lesson plans. Sarah Stuart – UNF Writing Professor
The Improv acting class that Jessie Shternshus has been teaching to our children at the Youth Activities Center on board Naval Air Station Jacksonville has been a huge success. The children, ages 8-15 are truly enjoying themselves.
The creative improv exercises and the constant activities keep the children involved and excited in the program. Jessie encourages the students to use their imaginations. The children have been working in groups and individually and have been improving their natural acting skills. Continuous laughter is heard through the closed doors from the children participating. Those attending are gaining confidence and their leadership skills are truly shining after attending the class.
The Youth Activities Center looks forward to being able to provide this class again for our military children!!!
Megan Elliot
Youth Activities Director
Naval Air Station JAX
It was just perfect and I know everyone enjoyed it. As you know, humor goes a long way in helping to ease anxiety, stress, depression and pain, and we are all candidates for all of the mentioned. Anne-Multiple Myeloma Group Jacksonville
I consider myself a “sponge;” daily, I strive to absorb and learn new information. Currently an interest of mine is the power and value of “improv.” I was recently part of a performing troupe, “The Improv Effect,” based in Jacksonville, FL. Improv has the ability to improve skills such as public speaking, communication, teamwork, creativity, project management, risk management and conflict resolution. It is also a refreshing way to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses as one laughs his or her way through the process of personal growth! – Caitlin R. Hall-West
The Improv Effect has worked with businesses such as MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Naval Air Station Jax, Lockheed Martin, The Florida Youth Division, Downtown Vision, Hashrocket, Affinity Law Firm, Aerostar Environmental Services, Availity, Bizconf, Multiple Myeloma Group Jax, University of North Flroida, Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, Pulte Homes, First Coast Apartment Association, The Comedy Zone, WorkSource several networking and business groups such as The Rotary Club, Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic Association, Local Applause, Southside Men’s Business club, Entrepreneur Organization, Networth and more.
