Jake Yenish, MFA

Jake Yenish has been privileged to serve in Christian higher education for over 20 years. He joined the University of Northwestern – St. Paul faculty in 2026. Jake earned his Bachelor of Theatre Arts from Bethany Lutheran College and his Master of Fine Arts from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and considers his education a constant inspiration in his work.

A committed contributor to the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF), Jake has served as Associate Response Coordinator for Region VI and Response Coordinator for Alabama & Mississippi in Region IV. He is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from talented students and faculty in the collegiate theatre community.

Throughout his career, Jake has been fortunate to design and contribute to more than 135 productions, including 13 world premieres and 18 annual performances of the vaudeville revue Theatre Physics. While he takes pride in these experiences, he is most grateful for the chance to collaborate with such dedicated artists and to help create memorable experiences for audiences. Several of Jake’s designs have been recognized by ACTF, including productions like Cagebirds at East Texas Baptist University, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Oklahoma Baptist University, and Tell it to the Wind at Bethany Lutheran College. He views these acknowledgments as a reflection of the hard work of the entire production team and is thankful for their collaborative efforts. 

Jake is continually inspired by the students he mentors and the colleagues with whom he works, and he remains deeply humbled by the ongoing opportunity to contribute to the world of theatre.