Deeply Rooted Appoints Jacquelyn Smiley Robinson Managing Director

Jacquelyn Smiley Robinson

Deeply Rooted Productions (DRP), the  umbrella organization of Deeply  Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT), has  appointed Jacquelyn Smiley  Robinson as managing director,  effective October 7, 2019. She joins  a leadership team including Co- Founder and Creative Director  Kevin Iega Jeff and Deeply Rooted  Dance Theater Artistic Director  Nicole Clarke-Springer, Associate  Artistic Director Gary Abbott, and  Rehearsal Director Joshua L. Ishmon. As managing director, Robinson is  responsible for providing oversight  and management of the  organization’s day-to-day  operations, developing and  implementing the strategic plan,  and working closely with the board  of directors to ensure fiscal health.  She and Jeff are jointly responsible  for realizing DRDT’s goals for  artistic excellence, diversified and  authentic creativity, fiscal viability,  arts leadership cultivation, and  community and relationship building.  She provides direct oversight of  the organization’s finance,  operations, marketing, fundraising,  programs, and board relations  functions.   “Jackie’s passion for dance,  leadership vision, and business  acumen make her a welcome  addition to the team,” said Jeff.  “Her appointment is an important  step toward expanding the  company’s institutional vision. This  is a joyous occasion!”   Robinson has been an active  member of the Chicago  business, civic, and arts  communities. She serves on the  Women’s Board of the Goodman  Theatre where she is chair of  programs. She is also active  with the Chicago Foundation for  Women, the Women’s Network  of the Make-A-Wish Foundation,  and the Oak Park League of  Women Voters. Robinson has  many years of experience in  corporate finance and  strategic planning and  development through her  career with the Ameritech  Corporation and the Consulate  General of Canada. She has  always nurtured a passion for  the arts and is the proud mother  of two daughters who  themselves are pursuing careers  in the arts. Robinson has  earned an MBA, an MA in  French language and literature,  and an MA in teaching and  education. She is excited to  bring her skills, talents, and  passion to the Deeply Rooted  team.   “I am thrilled and honored to  be part of such an exciting  and wonderfully creative  organization,” said Robinson.  “I look forward to the  opportunity to expand Deeply  Rooted’s reach and impact  in the Chicago arts community  and beyond.” Deeply Rooted Dance Theater dancers  (L–R) Briana Arthur, Paige Fraser,  Joshua Henry, and William Roberson in  Forces. Photo by Michelle Reid.

DRDT next offers its fall season, “Reaffirmed/Reimagined,” December 13–15 at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts on the University of Chicago campus, 915 E. 60th Street, Chicago. The programs feature classic revivals, company repertoire and a preview of a collaboration with gospel artist Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers. Tickets are available at (312) 795-9777 or visit reaffirmed-reimagined.eventbrite.com. Premiering in 1996, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT) is rooted in traditions of modern, contemporary and African dance, as well as storytelling, in universal themes that spark a visceral experience and ignite an emotional response in diverse audiences worldwide. Collaborating with nationally renowned choreographers across the spectrum of modern, ballet and African dance, DRDT presents work that reflects eclectic voices in contemporary life. Deeply Rooted’s programs are partially supported by the Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Arts Work Fund and Smart Growth program of the Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks Program, Ginger Farley Charitable Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, International Association of Blacks in Dance, Martha Struthers Farley and Donald C. Farley Jr. Family Foundation, Reva and David Logan Foundation, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the Deeply Rooted Family of Friends. Special thanks to Ballet Chicago, Chicago Dancemakers Forum, Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Park District, Reva and David Logan Center and St. Benedict the African Church for their partnership and support. For more information, visit deeplyrooteddancetheater.org.