Accomplished voice actor and Dordt University alumnus Jason Vande Brake joins his alma mater as Assistant Professor of Theatre, bringing his industry experience, passion for creating meaningful work, and dedication to teaching theatre from a Reformed perspective.
Jason Vande Brake has accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Theatre at Dordt University.
He is a seasoned voice actor and has worked with brands such as Netflix, Coca-Cola, Geico, the MLB Network, and many more.
A Sheldon native and a 2000 Dordt graduate, Vande Brake received an MFA in Acting from the University of California, Irvine in 2007. Vande Brake has performed at Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C., the McCarter Theatre Center at Princeton University, and elsewhere.
Vande Brake says that Dordt is where he first discovered how powerful theatre can be and “learned to infuse my art with purpose.”
“The spiritual and artistic values I developed during my years at Dordt have shaped my career for the fueled my passion for creating meaningful work over the last 24 years. I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to inspire future students to follow a similar path and help them see the incredible wonder of God's world.”
Laurel Koerner, Professor of Theatre Arts, is excited to see how Vande Brake will contribute to the Theatre Department.
“Jason’s experience is an exemplary illustration of the theatre program’s vital role in enabling students to become creatives, leaders, and entrepreneurs,” says Koerner. “He’s built a career in voiceover, and he’s a great actor. It’s wonderful to be able to bring an alumnus back to make good art and benefit our students and the broader community.”
Dean for the Arts and Humanities Luke Hawley is also looking forward to welcoming Vande Brake to Dordt’s campus.
“Jason brings energy and enthusiasm wherever he goes. His general posture toward the world is one of delight, which is inspiring. He has 20 years of industry experience, and students are going to learn a lot from him,” says Hawley.
Vande Brake looks forward to teaching theatre from a Reformed perspective at Dordt.
“Everything matters, and that's beautiful. When it comes to being faithful stewards of creation, there's no hierarchy: biologists and pastors and sculptors and farmers and businesspeople and teachers all have good, important, God-ordained work to do,” Vande Brake says. “To teach at an institution that celebrates that is wonderful. It infuses every moment of class time, meeting, and rehearsal with sacred importance.”
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
The city of Sioux Center was recently ranked as the second safest town in Iowa. Dordt University playing an essential role in maintaining this safe and nurturing atmosphere through its commitment to campus safety measures, collaboration with local law enforcement, and contribution to the overall quality of life in the community.
Natalie Griffioen, a Ph.D. candidate in philosophy, joins Dordt University as an Instructor of Philosophy, bringing her passion for exploring philosophical topics through a Christian lens and a dedication to serving the church.
Related Events