Jess Vann

Actor , EMC | Singer | Entrepreneur

“I worked with Jessica in the education department at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. I also had the honor of working with her on Hubbard Street’s EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) working group, a group created out of Hubbard Street’s EDI initiatives to propose meaningful policy reform and trainings to hold the organization and it’s employees accountable for upholding and continuing anti-racism work. Within a short time period Jessica had implemented and facilitated lasting programs to support the organizations EDI work and generating meaningful rapport with the youth programs students and families. Jessica’s passion for creating community through education is not only admirable, but the energy that she brings to her work is infectious. She is someone who knows how to harness the power of creating a safe yet courageous space where words and ideas can turn into action and positive change.”

-Jenn Gunter Peddycord

"You can't help it. An Artist duty, as far as I am concerned is to reflect the time." –Nina Simone

Hello all! Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Jess Vann. My site is a jack of all trades for all my creative endeavors! You will get to know me as a performer/actress and as the Creative Director/Founder of Creative Spaces. I am originally from the mitten state of Michigan. I have a B.S in Theater and Interpretation: Acting from Central Michigan University and a M.A. in Training and Development from Roosevelt University.

I am embarking on a journey to live my best life and fully commit to my calling. To fulfill my passion and calling, I have started a business called Creative Spaces. I decided to combine my 10+ years working in the non-for-profit sector; in the education and the after school field, my love for training and development for all sectors, with my theatre background. Creative Spaces is a company that will offer a unique and inspiring approach to Leadership, Anti-Racism + DEIB, Company Culture and Professional Development, so that you are able to bring your true authentic self to the workplace and have thriving and sustainable company! Creative Spaces provides arts focused workshops, consultation, keynotes and much more. We wanted to see you be more than just a business or organization, we want you to stand out!

Some of my professional acting credits include, but not limited to; Kentucky (The Gift Theatre), Billy Elliot: The Musical and 1776 (Porchlight Theatre), Homos, or Everyone in America (Pride Films and Plays); Disaster! The Musical (Chicago Theatre Workshop); ’Story of a Story (The Untold Story)', (Underscore Theatre Company); HAIR: The American Rock Musical and Ragtime (Big Noise Theatre) and Crazy for Swayze: A Swayzical (New Millennium Theatre Company). Active board member with Interrobang Theatre Project and active member with The Chicago Inclusion Project.

Balance is the key to wearing many hats! Thanks for being here. I hope you enjoy getting to know me as an Artist and Entrepreneur who still manages to juggle a full time job, lol!