Jerry Strain: This Week’s I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE Honoree

Jerry Strain has lived in Danville for his whole life and he says he loves Danville because it is a place where people take care of each other. He says, “The community and the people make Danville what it is.” Jerry comes from a large family with four brothers and one sister. Jerry recalls his childhood as complicated, but there was always someone to play with. Jerry’s twin brother Thomas kept him company. “We have seen each other through the hardest times. We had to be creative, and I guess I just never stopped creating.”

As a respite from a difficult life at home, his father helped Jerry and his siblings get involved in local community theater, and Jerry was hooked from the beginning. It was a bright spot for him, and a chance to escape reality, creating alternate realities for people who come to watch the performances. He enjoys making people laugh and telling stories through acting. Not only does Jerry enjoy theater, but it turns out he is talented at it as well. Jerry has performed on stage dozens of times in a variety of lead and supporting roles, and he is a talented seamster, making and altering costumes for himself and others. He also makes props for local theater organizations and is an avid puppeteer.

Last month at age 19, Jerry directed his first full production, “Elf the Musical” on behalf of DLO Musical Theatre, making him the youngest regular season show director on record for the organization. The production sold well over 1500 tickets, packing The Fischer Theatre. When asked why he directed the musical Jerry responded, “Because the community needed it.”

Jerry also spreads Christmas cheer through his role as Santa – literally, he is Santa Claus. Jerry attended Santa School and has been playing the role of Santa since he was 15 years old; He becomes more professional and discovers more of who his Santa is each year. Jerry says, “There is something about creating magic for the children and their families that makes me come back each year. Kids trust Santa so you get to be there for them in a unique way.” For him, the motivation is similar to doing theater. He gets to make people smile, bringing magic and imagination to their day.

Jerry wants to thank his dad for everything. He says, “My dad got a lot right.” When asked why he is who he is today he says that his dad once told him, “You have every excuse in the world to be the worst person – but you aren’t and that says a lot about who you are.” Jerry remembers that he has a choice every day and chooses to be a positive part of his community, using his talents to create positive experiences for all who cross his path.

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or contact Ashton Greer, City of Danville agreer@cityofdanville.org or

Nicole Van Hyfte, Vermilion Advantage nvanhyfte@vermilionadvantage.com.