Jennifer Ravitz ’11 learned about Shenandoah University through word of mouth, and fell in love with it. “Shenandoah is a tight-knit community that encourages personal growth,” said Ravitz. “I often think about where I’d be if I had chosen to attend college elsewhere, and I know the constant support from my professors and classmates at SU helped steer me to where I am today.”
Though, she knew in her gut she wasn’t going to be an actor, Ravitz majored in music theatre because she was very passionate about the entertainment industry. She expressed this interest to her professors, and they encouraged her to explore other paths in the industry, such as writing, directing and casting. Through The Playwright’s Performance (a student group that produces and performs plays), Ravitz had the privilege of watching three of her plays produced and directed by fellow students. The work she put into creating the characters and their stories filled her with an incredible energy, leading her to seek more opportunities “behind the table.”
“Shenandoah Conservatory is truly unique, and I know I can credit my success to the personalized education I received, the support and encouragement of my professors and the endless creative energy of the SU students,” said Ravitz.
Ravitz is an independent casting director based in New York City casting for television, theatre and film. She’s cast over five hundred episodes of television, including the hit NBC series “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago PD,” and “Chicago Med” as well as “FBI” and “FBI: International” for CBS. She cast and produced the film “Pretty People,” which debuted at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. Ravitz is an advocate for artists with chronic pain and illnesses and was named the 2021 Volunteer of the Year by the Arthritis Foundation of New York. She has traveled back to Shenandoah Conservatory for the last ten years to teach workshops and classes and also served as an adjunct professor in Spring 2023.
Ravitz’s advice to current and former students is: “Never underestimate the power of kindness, especially in a competitive career. A kind word or deed can make a huge impact.”