joy (joi)
the emotion evoked by well-being, success, good fortune or
by the prospect of possessing
what one desires:
Joy Brings Joy
I raise consciousness, create awareness, change
narratives and bring joy through the craft of acting.
I love acting, however it is the role of wife and mother that prompted a journey of deep self-discovery that allows me to share holistic pathways to joy.
THE BACKSTORY
I graduated from the Louisville Youth Performing Arts High School, continued my studies at North Carolina A & T State University with a BFA in theatre, and earned my MFA at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts where I received the Jack Bettenbender Award for Outstanding Performance. Upon graduation l began working right away off-Broadway and in regional theatres throughout the country.
Favorite Teachers and Takeaways?
Bill Esper "Good actors adjust the text to the inner emotion created by their response to the other actor."
Hal Scott "Track the script, the answers are there."
Maggie Flanigan - "Don't be tepid."
Loyd Williamson "It's ok, it's ok, it's ok to feel what you are feeling."
Israel Hicks "Joy, ask for what you want."
After school I traveled a bit and after my second trip to Zimbabwe, I returned to NYC and decided to pack it up. I purchased a one-way ticket and headed west to Los Angeles. Los Angeles is where I married and had my only child. Prior to making motherhood my greatest "life goes on activity" and personal development a way of life, I had the honor of working along side outstanding talents and Academy Award nominees such as - Mrs. Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, Tim Roth, Forest Whitaker, Taraji P. Henson, Stephen Henderson, Anna Deavere Smith, and various other creative professionals. I am excited to experience all of the beautiful collaborations and opportunities life is bringing my way.
Joy is also the founder of Heal + Create Art, an emerging creative collective of diverse artists focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Truthful Creative Expression and Growth.