Performance is Freedom: Essays on Identity and Acting: Acting Without Limits - The Jerome Method and Beyond

Now, at a time when America is at a cultural crossroads, Pagan is bringing that same fearless energy to the world of acting with his new book, Performance Is Freedom: Essays on Identity and Creating Acting Without Limits: The Jerome Method and Beyond. More than just an acting guide, this book is a manifesto for creative liberation, a call to arms for artists to reclaim their craft in an industry that often seeks to define them before they even step into the spotlight.

Breaking the Mold: Why This Book Matters Now More Than Ever

For too long, the entertainment industry has been shackled by outdated methodologies—systems that prize technical precision over lived experience, that erase identity in favor of “neutrality,” that demand conformity instead of authenticity. Pagan dismantles these archaic structures with an electrifying blend of personal experience, critical analysis, and a revolutionary reimagining of what it means to perform.

From the deeply personal challenges of navigating race, queerness, and cultural identity in acting to the bold redefinition of performance as a form of political and social resistance, Performance Is Freedom is as much about the soul of an artist as it is about technique. It builds on The Jerome Method, Pagan’s innovative, anti-traditionalist approach to acting, which fuses elements of classic theater training with a modern, unrestrained philosophy designed for a new generation of performers.

“I’ve seen too many actors struggle under the weight of an industry that tells them they have to erase themselves to succeed,” Pagan explains. “That’s bullshit. Acting should be about expansion, not restriction. Performance Is Freedom is about reclaiming the craft—not just for ourselves, but for the future of storytelling.”

The Man Behind the Revolution

Pagan’s credentials read like a roadmap of artistic defiance. As a Puerto Rican and Mexican-American creator, he has dedicated his life to making space for the voices mainstream entertainment has historically ignored. His filmography spans genre-defying works, from horror to political satire, from hard-hitting drama to absurdist comedy.

His queer horror-comedy An Oscar Winning Movie skewers Hollywood’s obsession with trauma narratives while delivering genuine chills.

The Last Gasp series (including Last Gasp: Brokeback Fields and Last Gasp: The Gospel of Damion) explores addiction, love, and self-destruction through a deeply personal queer lens.

The Paranormal Salad universe, an ambitious cross-medium storytelling venture, dives into the unexplained, intertwining the supernatural with the deeply human.

His award-winning theatrical career includes over 300 directed productions and 150 original works, making him a leading voice in experimental and immersive theater.

And now, with Performance Is Freedom, Pagan is set to redefine how actors approach their craft and how society views the power of performance itself.

A Book That Speaks to the Times

At a moment when censorship looms over creative industries, when queer and BIPOC voices are being erased from school curricula, when art itself has become a battleground for cultural wars, this book is not just relevant—it is essential.

Pagan’s writing is unapologetic, sharp, and urgent. He is not interested in playing it safe. He is interested in handing artists the tools to tear down walls—whether those walls exist in the industry, in their training, or in their own self-perception.

Robert is an experienced actor and director with a particular flair for motivating and molding a cast. I have had the pleasure of working in shows along with Robert as well as several productions under his direction, and over time my esteem for his character and work has only grown.

Morgan Sorensen

★★★★★

Working with Robert Jerome in SJS productions, Workshop 44, and Foresaken Olive Productions has been an incredible life enriching experience. Robert’s direct and honest approach to materials is really refreshing. He listens and collaborates, but still knows how to stay true to his artistic vision. As an actor, it’s so rewarding to put yourself in the hands of director you can trust. Robert has helped me to explore aspects of myself that I haven’t always been comfortable with, and then helped to bring that awareness and energy into my performances. Robert’s relaxed approach to teaching makes me forget I’m even working! His enthusiasm for knowledge sharing is infectious and informative.

★★★★★

Melissa Murphy

Robert is a great inspiration to talent on events, and satisfies clients needs time and again. I've worked with him in several capacities on many projects, with Robert as director and administrator, where he's always been easy to understand, and delivers instructions and creates a harmonious team. And as a co-performer, where he excels with supporting the shows and fellow performers with great aplomb.

Jeffrey Weissman

★★★★★

Robert has an amazing capability to push performers to give their best at all times. He can see your potential and help you exceed it!

★★★★★

Michelle Velez