Broadway Meets Hollywood at the 20th Anniversary of the Beaufort International Film Festival. An Off-Broadway Sensation, Actress and Playwright, Jessica Sherr Brings to Life the Legendary Bette Davis. Jessica’s one-woman show will follow the Opening Ceremony Reception taking place on Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026. The Opening Ceremony begins at 5:30pm and continues to 7:30pm followed by BETTE DAVIS AIN’T FOR SISSIES at 8pm on stage at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Center for the Arts. Tickets for the Opening Ceremony, which include this performance, can be purchased at www.beaufortfilmfestival.com. Those holding Filmmaker or ALL EVENTS passes also have access to this performance.

Jessica Sherr is an actress, writer, and producer best known for her roles on Claws (TNT), Blue Bloods (CBS), Flight of the Conchords (HBO), and Cloak & Dagger (Freeform). She is the writer and performer of the acclaimed one-woman play Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies, a powerhouse solo performance celebrating the ambition, artistry, and unapologetic spirit of Hollywood trailblazer Bette Davis. Sherr has performed the show to international acclaim, with 485 performances across 35 states and 3 countries, including celebrated runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s St. James Theatre.

Directed by Drama Desk Winner Karen Carpenter (“Love, Loss, and What I Wore”) with a larger-than-life performance from Sherr, BETTE DAVIS AIN’T FOR SISSIES tells the dramatic and extraordinary life story of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars of all time—the indomitable Bette Davis.

From her headline-making affairs with William Wyler and Howard Hughes and four failed marriages to the shocking upset she suffered at the 1939 Academy Awards and her relentless fight for equality against the male-dominated studio system in Hollywood, Davis’ incredible story of resilience continues to be relevant even in today’s world.

On-screen, Davis was an iconic actress known for playing strong, unapologetic and complex women. Off-screen, Davis was a fiery spirit and a fearless activist who fought tirelessly for women’s rights—including equal pay—and fought against ageism and sexism in Hollywood. Her bravery was unparalleled and for many, Davis remains an enduring symbol of resistance and resilience.

Fasten Your Seatbelts and Get Ready for a Bumpy Ride!

For tickets and more information, visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com