DBI Projects on Broadway: Jessica Sprankle Manages in the Limelight

For past two years, DBI Projects has been overseeing a series of renovations to five Broadway theaters, all without impacting the productions that are performed nearly every day. In the leading role (sorry, we couldn’t resist), is Project Manager Jessica Sprankle. From her first day on the project, when she scaled the exterior ladder of one of the five theater’s stagehouses, to her subsequent explorations of all of the theaters’ ceiling voids and infrastructure underbellies, Jessica has been approaching this work with a level of detail that is both her calling card and an absolute necessity for the projects.

“It’s a complicated process, but we maintain daily communications with five general management teams, hold weekly meetings with client stakeholders, and issue comprehensive schedule lookaheads so we can zig and zag our construction teams around weekly rehearsal schedules,” says Jessica. “It’s critical to know who is working, precisely where, and when. Our team makes sure everyone is current on daily activities so work stays on track and shows go on accordingly.”

DBI Projects’ work began at the end of 2023, when we were approached by the client with the challenge of how to address the most critical needs of each of the theaters, being mindful of a fixed budget and a key financial deadline. Jessica helped assemble and then lead a project team of specialty consultants to assess the conditions of existing roofs, landmarked facades, outdated HVAC and the previously mentioned catwalks—all while maintaining the critical awareness that that the work had to be executed without impacting shows in production.

“From Day 1, Jessica made it her mission to know these buildings and the people working in these theaters as if she had worked in them for years,” noted Principal-in-charge, Jordan Barr. “It’s amazing to watch her walk you through any of the buildings, pointing out the intricacies of how an element of one of the current production’s works or how we’re going to install new rooftop dunnage and support it from within the structure of the building.”

Originally from Ohio, Jessica is the daughter of a union sheet metal worker which she says taught her to take pride in her work. Since joining DBI Projects in 2021, Jessica has proven herself to be a dedicated and savvy project manager who knows what it takes to do a job right. She emphasizes humility and levelheadedness in her management style, which she says comes from the great respect she has for the work that goes into getting things done on site.

“This is an incredibly special experience because these buildings have always been and will always be home to some of the greatest performances in the world. I’ve gotten a front row seat to study active, historic building systems, and I know the work we’re doing now will outlive me and continue serving theatregoers for years to come.”