Jennifer Hemphill

Before transitioning into academia, Jennifer Hemphill enjoyed a dynamic and wide-ranging two-decade career based in New York City. Her performance credits span Broadway, national tours, international stages in Europe, regional theatres across the U.S., and as a featured soloist in concert performances with renowned symphonies, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Missouri Symphony. One of the highlights of her career was her time with the smash hit musical "Mamma Mia!," where she spent a combined total of six years performing both on Broadway and in the show's national tour.

Her versatility as a performer has led to collaborations with distinguished directors, choreographers and conductors in a wide array of theatrical and musical settings. In addition to her performance work, Hemphill has built a robust career as a director, choreographer and educator. She has directed and choreographed productions across the country and is frequently invited to teach masterclasses and lead workshops in acting, acting through song, and audition techniques. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in professional practice, collaboration and the development of authentic, well-rounded artists.

Hemphill is deeply engaged in arts education and professional development. She is a presenter at regional and national conferences, including the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), the Musical Theatre Educators' Alliance (MTEA) and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). She currently serves as a respondent for KCACTF and received a directorial commendation for her production of "Into the Woods."

Her excellence in teaching has been recognized with the Distinguished Teaching Award. She is a proud member of both the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). Hemphill continues to advocate for professional standards and creative exploration in both the rehearsal room and the classroom.