“Ms. Smith is a star." - BroadwayWorld
As an actor, J.G. is acclaimed for complex, hilarious portrayals of determined young adults on stage and screen. Richard Roeper called J.G. a "standout" in Knives and Skin (IFCMidnight, Official Selection at Berlinale and TriBeCa).
As an award-winning performance artist, J.G. creates live spectacle with DIY-style production to explore isolation and connection in an increasingly online world.
J.G.'s work has been featured at Chicago Fringe Festival, TheTankNYC, Maine's Theater Project, TransVisions, Williamsburg Circus, NOLA's Hell Yes Fest, Salonathon Chicago, and the streets of New York City.
J.G. is proud to be an Ensemble Member with Chicago's American Blues Theater and an Associate Artist with Brooklyn-based incubator Undiscovered Countries. Since 2022, J.G. has served as American Blues' Foley artist for their annual holiday show It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
J.G. is repped by Paonessa Talent. AEA, SAG-AFTRA-eligible. Pronouns: they/she.
As an actor, J.G. is acclaimed for complex, hilarious portrayals of determined young adults on stage and screen. Richard Roeper called J.G. a "standout" in Knives and Skin (IFCMidnight, Official Selection at Berlinale and TriBeCa).
As an award-winning performance artist, J.G. creates live spectacle with DIY-style production to explore isolation and connection in an increasingly online world.
J.G.'s work has been featured at Chicago Fringe Festival, TheTankNYC, Maine's Theater Project, TransVisions, Williamsburg Circus, NOLA's Hell Yes Fest, Salonathon Chicago, and the streets of New York City.
J.G. is proud to be an Ensemble Member with Chicago's American Blues Theater and an Associate Artist with Brooklyn-based incubator Undiscovered Countries. Since 2022, J.G. has served as American Blues' Foley artist for their annual holiday show It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
J.G. is repped by Paonessa Talent. AEA, SAG-AFTRA-eligible. Pronouns: they/she.
THE LATEST:
September 16, 2024:
J.G. is making a fourth appearance with The Back Room Shakespeare Project, this time in Twelfth Night!
J.G. is making a fourth appearance with The Back Room Shakespeare Project, this time in Twelfth Night!
July 5-August 18, 2024:
J.G. is back at American Blues performing as The Stagehand in the Chicago premiere of Audrey Cefaly's The Last Wide Open!
J.G. is back at American Blues performing as The Stagehand in the Chicago premiere of Audrey Cefaly's The Last Wide Open!
"the performances (including J.G. Smith as a stagehand who Cameron’s Lina describes at one point as “the nurse to my Juliet”—leading to a perfectly timed wordless reaction from Smith) carry us through with warmhearted charm." - Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader
"J.G. Smith was amazing as the silent stagehand." - Rick McCain, Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
"There is a silent third character referred to as “Stagehand”, confidently played by J.G. Smith" - Karen Topham, ChicagoOnStage
"J.G. Smith was amazing as the silent stagehand." - Rick McCain, Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
"There is a silent third character referred to as “Stagehand”, confidently played by J.G. Smith" - Karen Topham, ChicagoOnStage
June 2024:
J.G. was thrilled to appear with Back Room Shakespeare Project for a third time this year, this time playing Biondello in The Taming of the Shrew at Color Club Chicago!
J.G. was thrilled to appear with Back Room Shakespeare Project for a third time this year, this time playing Biondello in The Taming of the Shrew at Color Club Chicago!
May 2024:
J.G. played the lead in They've Moved On, a 2-shot experimental short written, directed, and photographed by Daniel John Harris.
J.G. played the lead in They've Moved On, a 2-shot experimental short written, directed, and photographed by Daniel John Harris.
March 22 - May 4:
J.G. was so pleased and honored to play the lead role of Erica Grillo in the Chicago premiere of Nick Robideau's funny, sweet, weird, gentle play Inanimate at Theater Wit.
J.G. was so pleased and honored to play the lead role of Erica Grillo in the Chicago premiere of Nick Robideau's funny, sweet, weird, gentle play Inanimate at Theater Wit.
"played to perfection by J.G. Smith" - Around the Town Chicago
"Smith’s depiction of Erica is perfect; awkward and vulnerable when need be but later with a level of hurt and anger that elevates the entire production"
- Newcity Chicago
- Newcity Chicago
March 4:
J.G. was thrilled to make a sophomore showing with Back Room Shakespeare Project as The Queen in Richard II.
J.G. was thrilled to make a sophomore showing with Back Room Shakespeare Project as The Queen in Richard II.
Winter 2023-2024:
January 22:
J.G. was overjoyed to inaugurate American Blues Theater's The Commons series as Frannie in Gloria Majule's UHURU.
J.G. was overjoyed to inaugurate American Blues Theater's The Commons series as Frannie in Gloria Majule's UHURU.
January 15:
J.G. debuted with Back Room Shakespeare Project as Emilia, Mopsa, and the Foley designer for The Winter's Tale!
J.G. debuted with Back Room Shakespeare Project as Emilia, Mopsa, and the Foley designer for The Winter's Tale!
December 8-31:
J.G. celebrated another year with American Blues Theater's annual holiday show It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
J.G. celebrated another year with American Blues Theater's annual holiday show It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
"Bedford Falls and all its memorable inhabitants are brought to vivid life...with an indispensable assist from J.G. Smith's prolific foley skills" -
Chicago Sun-Times
"American Blues ensemble member J.G. Smith, who has appeared on stages all over Chicagoland, is once again at the top of her game as the Foley artist" - Chicago Theatre Review
"Sound effects, such as shattering glass, wind gusts and the bells that signify another angel getting its wings, are adeptly created by foley artist J.G. Smith" - Chicago Culture Authority
Chicago Sun-Times
"American Blues ensemble member J.G. Smith, who has appeared on stages all over Chicagoland, is once again at the top of her game as the Foley artist" - Chicago Theatre Review
"Sound effects, such as shattering glass, wind gusts and the bells that signify another angel getting its wings, are adeptly created by foley artist J.G. Smith" - Chicago Culture Authority