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, New Normal, Late Bloomer, and Lucid, 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.
Jessica's original screenplay, The Cockroach Queen, was awarded Semi-Finalist in the 2026 Austin Film Festival's Drama Features Script Competition.
Jessica originated the role of LeeAnne in Rivendell Theatre's world premiere production of Bonnie's Last Flight, written by Eliza Bent and directed by Devon de Mayo.
Jessica stars in Late Bloomer, a short film directed by Kyle Anne Grendys that received its U.S. Premiere at the Maryland Film Festival and played at Chicago's Reeling Film Festival, Romford Film Festival, and the Sunday Shorts Film Festival in Lisbon, Portugal.
Jessica plays the role of Adeline in Amie's Funeral, a short film from Andre Guima which had its U.S. Premiere at the Town Creek Film Festival.
Jessica understudied Ashley Neal as "Kara" in the world premiere of Alex Lubischer's Pivot at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble.
Jessica wrapped principal photography on Regret Like That, a feature film which she acted in, co-wrote, and co-directed.
Jessica was awarded Ball State University's Graduate of the Last Decade Award for her achievements as an actor and mentorship of recent alumni.
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.