"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 Ensemble, Jessica received an equity Jeff nomination for her portrayal of Ester in Dry Land. She has also been seen on stage at Rivendell in other productions, readings, and as an understudy. Other theatre work includes roles with Goodman, Strawdog Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, American Blues Theater, Walkabout Theatre, 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.

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 other 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 have 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 children’s books, kickboxes, and plays the ukulele.