"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." 

—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.