In "Save the Last Dance," Ora Jones played Mrs. Gwynn, a teacher that walks Sara to her first class after transferring. Though her part in the 2001 film was fairly fleeting, this didn't reflect her acting career as Jones remained relatively busy after the release of "Save the Last Dance." After portraying the inner-city school faculty member, Jones starred in several films ranging from "Uncle Nino," "Prison Break," "Chicago Fire," "Betrayal," and "Somebody Somewhere."

Most notable, however, is her career in theater. By 2007, Jones became a member of Terry Kinney's theater company, Steppenwolf. During her time with the company, Jones made herself known within Chicago, starring in "The Violet Hour," "The Unmentionables," and more. In 2013, Jones headed to Broadway to play Mrs. Phelps in "Matilda the Musical." She also played Madame de Volanges in a Broadway production of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the Booth."

In 2011, Jones was named best actress by Chicago Magazine (via Steppenwolf). In a 2018 interview with N'Digo, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities she was given as a Black actor in theater. When asked what was next for her, she appeared very optimistic about what is to come. "My dreams are fluid; they change from day to day," she stated. "I do see some sleeping in, in my future ... haha!"