Jess Hawthorne Fiene is a theater and dance performer, director, and teaching artist. She has helped young people develop their creative voice through theater and dance in and around Chicago for over seven years. Jessica believes theater and dance have the ability to empower youth to become confident, creative individuals in their communities. With a big heart and a big imagination, Jess continues to work with schools and students to create meaningful, joyful, and artistic experiences.
Jess has a BA in Theater with a concentration in acting from Columbia College Chicago and has trained with Redmoon Theater, Second City, and Old School Town of Folk Music, to name a few. Most recently Jess directed Our Son Pinocchio, Jr. and Tut Tut! for Northbrook Theater in Northbrook, IL. In addition to working with Urban Gateways, she also teaches dance for Academy of Music and Art in Westmont, and she teaches theater with Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop in Naperville, IL. When she isn’t teaching or directing, Jess loves hip hop & swing dancing, being outdoors, and seeing live theater.