J.G. Smith at TriBeCa for KNIVES AND SKIN (Getty Images)
"Smith is perfect in the role" - Newcity Stage
"Smith is a star" - BroadwayWorld
"a perfectly timed wordless reaction from Smith" - Chicago Reader
Born to a family of actors, musicians, singer-songwriters, and poets, J.G. Smith grew up on stages across the country and graduated with honors from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
While at NYU, J.G. studied Shakespeare at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, workshopped new plays at Playwrights Horizons Theatre School, starred in student films ranging from zombie-fighting thrillers to fairytale rom-coms, and received the Founders Day Award for Outstanding Scholarship.
Since graduating, J.G. travels frequently between NYC and Chicago as an Associate Artist with Brooklyn-based incubator Undiscovered Countries and an Ensemble Member with Chicago's renowned American Blues Theater.
J.G.'s feature film debut as a jaded teenager in Knives and Skin, brought international acclaim including premieres at premiered at Berlinale and TriBeCa, a feature in People Magazine, and a shout out as a standout by Richard Roeper.
Additional credits include scene-stealing roles for NBC and MTV, four years in American Blues' annual production of It's A Wonderful Life, and an Audience Award at Chicago Fringe Festival.
Outside of the industry, you can usually find J.G. touring a museum, combing beaches along Lake Michigan, or birdwatching.
While at NYU, J.G. studied Shakespeare at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, workshopped new plays at Playwrights Horizons Theatre School, starred in student films ranging from zombie-fighting thrillers to fairytale rom-coms, and received the Founders Day Award for Outstanding Scholarship.
Since graduating, J.G. travels frequently between NYC and Chicago as an Associate Artist with Brooklyn-based incubator Undiscovered Countries and an Ensemble Member with Chicago's renowned American Blues Theater.
J.G.'s feature film debut as a jaded teenager in Knives and Skin, brought international acclaim including premieres at premiered at Berlinale and TriBeCa, a feature in People Magazine, and a shout out as a standout by Richard Roeper.
Additional credits include scene-stealing roles for NBC and MTV, four years in American Blues' annual production of It's A Wonderful Life, and an Audience Award at Chicago Fringe Festival.
Outside of the industry, you can usually find J.G. touring a museum, combing beaches along Lake Michigan, or birdwatching.
THE LATEST:
November 22 - December 28, 2025:
J.G. was overjoyed as always to return to Bedford Falls as the Foley artist for It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! at American Blues Theater.
J.G. was overjoyed as always to return to Bedford Falls as the Foley artist for It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! at American Blues Theater.
"Rounding out the ensemble, J.G. Smith delivers a dazzling performance as the Foley artist, transforming everyday objects into extraordinary tools of imagination. With impeccable timing and inventive flair, Smith crafts the soundscape that breathes life into Bedford Falls - snow crunching underfoot, doors creaking open, coins clinking, and bells ringing with holiday cheer. Each effect is not merely background noise but a vital layer of storytelling, immersing audiences so completely that George Bailey’s world feels tangible and immediate. Smith’s artistry underscores the magic of live radio theater, reminding us that sound alone can transport us across time, space, and emotion. It’s a masterclass in creativity and precision"
- Kimberly Katz, Buzz Center Stage
- Kimberly Katz, Buzz Center Stage
November 2025:
J.G. played the funny, observant Tyler in the short film Do You See Me Now, written and directed by Kaushik Vaithyanathan.
J.G. played the funny, observant Tyler in the short film Do You See Me Now, written and directed by Kaushik Vaithyanathan.
October 2025:
J.G. starred as a magical - and possibly malevolent - narrator in the feature film The Elkhorn Special, written and directed by Daniel John Harris.
J.G. starred as a magical - and possibly malevolent - narrator in the feature film The Elkhorn Special, written and directed by Daniel John Harris.
May 2025:
J.G. played the tough, messy Andrea in the short film Ridgeview, written and directed by Jon Gollner and filmed in his childhood home in Sheboygan.
J.G. played the tough, messy Andrea in the short film Ridgeview, written and directed by Jon Gollner and filmed in his childhood home in Sheboygan.
With Jacob Waldron in RIDGEVIEW
April 2025:
J.G. loved playing the smart, anxious junkie Tracy Thorn on Chicago PD, Season 12, Episode 18 ("Demons").
J.G. loved playing the smart, anxious junkie Tracy Thorn on Chicago PD, Season 12, Episode 18 ("Demons").
November 29 - December 22, 2024:
J.G. was overjoyed to return as the Foley Artist for American Blues Theater's annual holiday production of It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
J.G. was overjoyed to return as the Foley Artist for American Blues Theater's annual holiday production of It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
Photo credit: Michael Brosilow
"The show takes the shape of a radio play on Chicago station WABT, circa 1944, complete with a foley artist in charge of live sound effects and noises and all else you can imagine. It falls to the responsible hands of J.G. Smith and I wish there was a way to bring her more focus. When you watch her, it’s apparent that there is an absolute pleasure for this actor to be a kind of soundtrack to the play. Her face lights up with every scene, every moment. What a joy to watch an actor who knows how to impact a scene through simply listening."
- Ronald Keaton, PicksinSix
- Ronald Keaton, PicksinSix
October 26, 2024:
J.G. played Rhoda Katz Nedwick in the Chicago premiere of Dear Rhoda, a beautiful true-love tale and love letter to 1920s Chicago, based on the Newberry Library's collection of Jerry Nedwick's correspondence.
Adapted by Donna Russell, David Ranney, and Peter Garino. Directed by Peter Garino.
J.G. played Rhoda Katz Nedwick in the Chicago premiere of Dear Rhoda, a beautiful true-love tale and love letter to 1920s Chicago, based on the Newberry Library's collection of Jerry Nedwick's correspondence.
Adapted by Donna Russell, David Ranney, and Peter Garino. Directed by Peter Garino.
October 2-26, 2024:
J.G. was so happy to return to The Last Wide Open at American Blues Theater, reprising The Stagehand in the remount of this critically acclaimed play-with-music for Polish-American Heritage Month.
J.G. was so happy to return to The Last Wide Open at American Blues Theater, reprising The Stagehand in the remount of this critically acclaimed play-with-music for Polish-American Heritage Month.
September 16, 2024:
J.G. made a fourth appearance with Back Room Shakespeare Project as Valentine/Officer in Twelfth Night!
J.G. made a fourth appearance with Back Room Shakespeare Project as Valentine/Officer in Twelfth Night!
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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!
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"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 shot by Daniel John Harris.
J.G. played the lead in They've Moved On, a 2-shot experimental short written, directed, and shot 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
Graphic by Noelle Harrison
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.
Graphic by Collin Quinn Rice
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.
Graphic by Elyse Dolan
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!
Graphic by Kate Romond
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!
Photo by Michael Brosilow
"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
