Jessica Bower
A dedicated teaching artist, actor, and director, Jessica has a passion for working with young artists and helping them develop the confidence, technique, and freedom to bring their authentic selves to the stage.
Jessica holds a BFA in Acting from Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts and has pursued graduate study in teaching at Missouri State University. As a teaching artist, she has worked with Springfield Little Theatre, Missouri State University, and school districts throughout the area, bringing together her professional theatre training and her commitment to arts education.
As an actor, Jessica’s credits include MOON OVER BUFFALO, THE MOUSETRAP, and YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU with Tent Theatre; A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, and A FEW GOOD MEN at Springfield Little Theatre; and THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN with Springfield Contemporary Theatre. Her professional and regional experience also includes work with the New York International Fringe Festival, St. Louis WiseWrite Festival, The Storm Theatre, and Dalliance Theater.
Jessica’s directing work at Springfield Little Theatre has included MY SON PINOCCHIO JR., HUCK FINN, A CHRISTMAS STORY, and CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, along with her continued work developing young performers through SLT’s education programs.
At the heart of Jessica’s work is a belief that strong theatre education gives young people much more than performance skills. She strives to create an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to discover who they are as artists and individuals.
Jessica lives in Springfield with her husband, Jamie Bower, their son, Joshua, and her stepdaughter, Hope.
