Jeff Jenkins

Jenkins is executive director and president of Upside Down Creative Group and is artistic director of The Skinny Improv, both of which were established in December 2002.

“Through The Skinny Improv, I’m able to introduce innovative theater and comedy techniques to the community at large,” he said. “Through the Upside Down Creative Group, I teach businesses and corporations nontraditional problem-solving techniques.”

Jenkins also teaches theater classes at Evangel University and Ozarks Technical Community College.

Jenkins said he is making a living doing what he loves and giving back to the community at the same time.

“By teaching people and businesses to improve their communication skills, I feel I’m encouraging them to take an interest in the world around them, to get more involved in life,” said Jenkins. “I like to think I’m making a difference by making it easier for people to communicate with each other in many different ways. After all, that’s what theater is: active communication.”

In addition to giving back to the arts community in Springfield, Jenkins participates in the Literary Council’s Pizza Bowl, the Sertoma Chili Cook-Off, and public service announcements for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Character Ed program.

Jenkins also has donated Skinny Improv shows and tickets to charitable organizations including Literary Council, Relay for Life and the American Heart Association.

He is involved in raising money for hurricane and natural disaster relief, and participates in Men About Town, which benefits local charities.

Born: 1972

The Skinny Improv is family-friendly, steering away from off-color jokes and cursing. “That’s just something we’ve chosen to do. I don’t think you have to be dirty to be funny,” Jenkins told SBJ in 2004.

Professional accomplishments include:

• Partnering with Springfield Little Theatre in 2005 to create Springfield Playhouse, a new children’s theater

• Being awarded 417 Magazine’s Best Comedy Show in 2006.