ultrasuede productions
jaye lee vocque
Artistic Director
Jaye has been searching for ways to tell stories since he was caught by his Mother reenacting the film 9 to 5 with his She-Ra, Cheetara, and Barroness action figures.
For most of his life he did this as an actor in such roles as Geoffrey in The Lion in Winter, Norman Bulansky in The Boys Next Door, Mr. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, General Genghis Kahn Schmitz in
Seussical: The Musical, Lenny in Rumors, Eddie in The Rocky Horror Show, Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, and his “dream role” of Jerry in The Zoo Story. He even had the chance to live out his lifelong goal of being a Muppet by being the Puppeteer for Little Shop of Horrors. At some point Jaye discovered the backstage area and fell in love with lights, sound, set, costume, and prop design. Working professionally in that field for 20 years everything from community theatre to being a “Rock N Roll Roadie” to Pyrotechnics at Universal Studios Orlando. Along the way earning award nominations for Best Costume Design (A Charlie Brown Holiday Celebration) and Light Design (Picasso at the Lapin Agile).
Jaye always felt comfortable with a pen in his hand. Writing poetry (winning the Allen Ginsberg Award for New Poet), Short Stories (published in three collections), and plays (see Past Productions Page).
​
If there was one job Jaye found true joy in, it has always being directing. Enjoying directing a wide range of shows including The Star Spangled Girl, P.S. Your Cat is Dead, Much Ado About Nothing, 5 Women Wearing the Same Dress, Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar & Grille, The Odd Couple, Tribute, and Deathtrap.
When his Mother (and self proclaimed “biggest fan”) passed away Jaye promised her he would write his own personal story down and tell it. In 2016 he was honored to win “Best Of the San Francisco International Fringe Festival” for Based on Actual Events. And followed that up with another “Best Of” Award for the Nugget Fringe Festival 2017, as well as a “People's Choice” Award at the same Festival.
​
His greatest joy has been forming this theatre with his partner, Karene, and cannot wait to find even more stories to share with you all.
​
Karene s. vocque
Executive Producer
Ever since she was little, Karene had a penchant for performing. From losing a Little Miss Sunshine pageant when she was five (she didn't smile once) to working birthday parties as a professional clown, she has always found her heart in the theatre. Karene graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a BA in Theatre and moved on to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. There she was trained in acting, singing, and dancing. She then found she had a gift as a Stage Manager. Karene worked in NYC as an Equity Stage Manager working Off-Broadway and with actors such as Tony Award winner Dan Fogler, Emmy Nominee Matthew Cowles, and Super Model Janice Dickinson. After NYC, Karene moved to Florida where she and her husband formed Ultrasuede Productions. She continued to find her love behind the scenes in theatre as she Stage Managed at several different theatres and started getting involved with Fringe Festivals
Even though she was a successful Stage Manager, Karene still had the love of performing on stage. Some of her favorite roles include Carol Burnett in A Tribute to Carol Burnett, Grandma in The Addams Family, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, and a performer in The Vagina Monologues.
Ultrasuede Productions has been a way for Karene and Jaye to find their own voices and put them on the stage. Being able to bring their ideas and stories to life has been a fantastic journey and a dream come true.
