Tuesday, October 15, 2019

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.

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