Davenport Junior Theatre

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Meet the Staff Series: Joanna Brewer

Meet Joanna Brewer!

Joanna is one of our amazing theatre instructors! We asked her a series of questions ranging from silly to serious in order to get to know her a little better. The informal interview follows:

When did you first discover your passion for theatre? Was there one specific moment you can recall?

When I was around 2 or 3, my grandma would record us reading books together to send to my Dad. We would do the different voices and I would direct her how to read the different characters.

Favorite role?

Every role I'm currently doing? ;)

What about a dream role?

Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was the first professional show I ever saw.

How do you spend your free time?

Reading, watching tv/movies, snuggling my husband and cats, doing DIY projects around the house.

What song always puts you in a good mood?

“Don't Stop Believing” by Journey

Who are your heroes?

Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Sandra Bullock, Betty White, Misty Copeland

What is one thing you wish you had known when you were younger?

It's ok to not do everything the same as your parents. Your path is your own and will be different. They'll be there to support you along the way.

What is your favorite thing about Junior Theatre?

Giving my classes a difficult bit of choreography or blocking, having them struggle with it and stress, but then see them pull it off perfectly on showcase day!

What do you love most about teaching children's theatre?

I love being able to give kids the opportunities to grow in their love of arts at such young ages, especially when I didn't have that opportunity at their ages.

What is on your bucket list?

Getting to be on an American tv show (I've been on an episode of a Chinese tv show ;) )

How do you find inspiration?

I like to watch different productions and see what they do. I also choose songs or scripts that I can already see a bit of the end result and feel excited about coming up with the rest.

What was the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Do something you will enjoy getting to do everyday. -My Dad

What was your favorite class in school?

P.E., Art, Choir, Math, English. I enjoyed school. :)

What's your favorite food?

Anything Italian or chocolate!!

If you had one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to teleport from one place to another so I wouldn't have to drive so much.

To be or not to be?

That is the question... Depends on the day.