Jerrilyn Duckworth is a multi-hyphenate creative (costume, hair, and makeup design) in the theatrical space. Bridging the Gap was founded in 2019. In the Fall of 2020, Jerrilyn was appointed Vice-Chair of Hair and Makeup for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology ( USITT). She held the post until 2023. 

She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design and Production from The University of Alabama. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in general theatre from The University of Southern Mississippi. Jerrilyn’s designs have been on the stage at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, People's Light, Coastal Carolina University, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Ensemble Theatre in Cincinnati, Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, Indiana University, Illinois State University, and Millbrook Playhouse. 

Jerrilyn continues her Bridging the Gap work. She travels to various universities to provide seminars about hair & makeup issues that plague BIPOC students and performers in the theatre industry. Bridging the Gap dives into the history of hair & makeup, wig prep on natural hair textures, correct language, products, and practical applications that would set any performer or creative artist up for success. The goal is to create an inclusive environment for all performers. Through her work, Jerrilyn has given over 300 workshops with attendance exceeding 3,500 people.