Jay Sheehan awarded USITT Wally Russell Professional Mentoring Award

The Wally Russel Professional Mentoring Award presented by USITT is given to individuals who influence and mentor within the professional setting. Jay Sheehan, faculty production manager for the School of Theatre, Television, and Film has been awarded the recognition.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this acknowledgment from my peers, and I share this award with my students that I have had the pleasure to mentor during my career. I love mentorship. It is vital to help create the leaders of tomorrow,” shares Sheehan.

Professionals and students from SDSU and beyond endorse Sheehan for the support and mentorship provided by his work. Niyi Coker, Director of the School of Theatre, Television, and Film, shares his experience with Sheehan. “Jay Sheehan is more than deserving of this award. He is one of the finest mentors that students gravitate easily toward. He offers students opportunities to work with A-list performers, and has been quite instrumental in affording graduating students opportunities for employment in the Performing Arts.”

USITT Executive Director David Grindle shares Sheehan’s impact. “Jay Sheehan’s commitment to guiding young professionals is something that USITT is proud to honor. Jay has worked to show people that careers are certainly not linear and you have to jump on opportunities when they come,” shares Grindle. “His guidance to help people navigate the profession long after they are out of academic training has impacted lives and our industry in seemingly countless ways.”

Sheehan has worked on over 50 shows across his career on top of publishing a textbook about the industry. In The Production Manager’s Toolkit, Sheehan explains the ins and outs of the entertainment business for entry level students.

As an educator, Sheehan strives to inspire students to achieve, further the causes they believe in, and to work positively and inclusively. Sheehan is inspired by “getting to fulfill my mission statement and help those that need it most, especially to those in underserved communities who may not be given opportunities.”

The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.