Jessica Ervin
Actor + Writer
"Risks are taken here...Ervin, who plays Annie, just gets better and better as the show progresses."
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
"Ervin's [performance] vibrates with honesty and restlessness."
"Ervin's [performance] vibrates with honesty and restlessness."
—Chicago Tribune
Jessica Ervin is a Chicago-based actor, working in theatre, film, and television. An ensemble member at Rivendell Theatre, Jessica received an equity Jeff nomination for her portrayal of Ester in Dry Land and originated the role of Annie in Tuckie White's Motherhouse (Jeff Award - Best Ensemble; Jeff Award - New Work). She has also been seen on stage at Rivendell in other productions, readings, and as an understudy. Her theatrical work includes roles with Goodman, Minetta Lane, Strawdog, A Red Orchid, American Blues, Walkabout, Route 66, and Prop Thtr. On-screen, Jessica has appeared on Chicago Fire (NBC), and in the films Princess Cyd, Provo, Teacher, New Normal, and Appetite, in addition to other shorts. She also appears in a commercial for CDW NetApp.
Originally from Northern Kentucky, Jessica is a graduate of The School at Steppenwolf, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ball State University, where she received her B.F.A. in Acting. At School at Steppenwolf, Jessica focused on work in Viewpoints, Meisner, and improvisation, as well as coursework in movement, text analysis, and voice. During her time at Ball State, she spent several years studying Devised Theatre, Suzuki, Shakespeare, Grotowski, slow tempo, Lecoq, and contemporary drama. Her love of learning and work ethic has continued to flourish in Chicago where she has also taken classes at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre under Larry Yando and Kevin Gudahl, as well as workshops with J.C. Clementz, Maura Kidwell, and Nick Bowling. When not on stage or screen, Jessica writes, kickboxes, and plays the ukulele.
Recent News:
Jessica will be appearing in an upcoming A Red Orchid Incubator production directed by Kyle Stoffers.
Jessica appeared in the A Red Orchid Theatre staged reading of Hells Canyon by Keiko Green, directed by Vanessa Stalling.
Jessica stars in the short film Rot, written and directed by Fred Pelzer.
Jessica made her Off-Broadway debut covering the role of Dani in the NYC Premiere of Rebecca Gilman's Swing State at the Minetta Lane Theatre.
Jessica originated the role of Annie in the world premiere of Motherhouse at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble which won 2023 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Best Ensemble and Best New Work.
Jessica recently wrapped production on the short film, Merry Friendsmas, which she wrote, co-directed, and stars in.
Jessica plays the role of Kathryn in director Emma Thatcher's debut feature film, Provo, which received its world premiere at the Wyoming International Film Festival and also screened at the Chicago Underground Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, Beloit International Film Festival, and Filmfest Bremen.