Davenport Junior Theatre, Inc. has appointed Jessica Sheridan as its new managing artistic director, the organization announced on social media.
Ms. Sheridan brings extensive credentials to the role, including a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from St. Ambrose University and a Master’s in Arts Management from the University of Oklahoma. She is also a professional photographer.
Her ties to Junior Theatre run deep. Over 16 years, she served as a teaching artist for Davenport Junior Theatre and has worked as a director, designer and board member for the organization’s mainstage program.
Ms. Sheridan’s broader theatrical training includes study with the Dell’Arte Company of California and with Andrew Wade, former head of voice for the Royal Shakespeare Company. She has also worked alongside Broadway director Philip Wm. McKinley, playwright William Luce, and QC Theatre Workshop’s Aaron Randolph III on his original production “Green River.”
Among her standout Junior Theatre directing credits are a steampunk-inspired production of “Pinocchio,” a new adaptation of “Jungle Book” featuring mask work, and a 2009 production of “Scrooge.” She also stage managed the organization’s original adaptation of “Aesop’s Fables.”
In a statement, Ms. Sheridan said she is passionate about making theatre accessible, educational and fun for as many Quad City youth as possible. She steps into the role as Junior Theatre prepares to launch its 75th season.
Davenport Junior Theatre’s new location
Davenport Junior Theatre recently completed a move from its longtime Annie Wittenmyer campus on Eastern Avenue to a newly renovated facility at 1002 W. Kimberly Road. The $1.6 million renovation, funded through interest on the City of Davenport’s American Rescue Plan Act funds, transformed the former Davenport Community School District property into a dedicated performing arts space with six theater classrooms, two dance rehearsal rooms, one tumble room, staff offices, and storage for costumes, props and production equipment.
The move was necessitated by the conditional conveyance of the Annie Wittenmyer complex to AW Holdings, which plans to redevelop the historic property into a $40 million, 99-unit senior and family housing complex. Junior Theatre will continue to stage mainstage productions at the Mary Fluhrer-Nighswander Theatre at Annie Wittenmyer under a lease agreement approved by the Davenport City Council in August.
