Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Sheridan '08

The Theatre Department at St. Ambrose University has been a home to countless students. The department is remembered for allowing its students to cultivate beneficial skills alongside lifelong memories and relationships. And Jessica Sheridan, a 2008 graduate, gladly shares this experience.

Looking back on her college days, Sheridan had numerous favorite memories. She fondly recalled being the Assistant Stage Manager for Pippin, as well as performing in the studio show, Stop Kiss. However, she emphasized how fortunate she was to receive glimpses into multiple aspects of the theatre.

"The best thing about theatre at St. Ambrose is that you get to do all of it," said Sheridan. "The education that is laid out well and prepares you to do anything."

Presently though, Sheridan has a booming photography business under the new re-branded name of Jessica Sheridan Photography, and is located right here in Davenport. She gears most of her work towards families and newborns, however, she has taken many headshots of SAU students over the years as well.

Additionally, she has a second business called The Daisy Lady, through which she both sells and educates people about houseplants. Despite her other businesses, Sheridan has kept up her involvement in the theatre industry as well. While it is not currently her main focus, due to her children and other obligations, from time to time, she enjoys directing at the Davenport Junior Theatre as well as performing with various companies within the Quad Cities.

"The first show I directed was Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing in 2009, Sheridan said in regards to her work at the Davenport Junior Theatre. "Since then, I have directed almost once a year, most recently was The Wizard of Oz last winter. I just love seeing that spark in a kid's eyes when they find their home on the stage at DJT."

No matter what the occasion may be, Sheridan manages to bring theatrical elements to her everyday life. One skill in particular has aided her in shaping her career path.

"I'm not just a photographer, I'm not just an actor, I'm a storyteller," said Sheridan. "As a graduate of St. Ambrose and as a student of Cory's, I learned how to be a storyteller. Now, whether I'm telling that story by directing kids on stage, directing a family through a photo shoot, whatever it is, I'm telling stories and that's part of my essence as a person."

As far as the future goes though, Sheridan knows she will return to the spotlight one day as she is a performer at heart. "I have such a deep love and passion for theatre, I know I will get back on stage."

The SAU Theatre Department is proud to have Sheridan as an alum, and loves how she pushes the bounds of storytelling in all of her work. She is a glowing example of finding success post-graduation, and everyone cannot wait to see where her path continues to take her!