Joy, a native of the East Bay, began studying acting, dance and voice as well as performing in regional theatres at the young age of eight. She continued her formal training at U.C. Irvine where she focused on acting, dancing and directing. While there, Joy was asked to join an elite group of young performers to study in New York City with top directors and choreographers.
Upon graduating with a B.A. in Drama, Joy set-sail aboard the MS Statendam, performing as the lead vocalist for Holland America Cruise Line. Back on shore, Joy spent many years performing for professional theaters in national tours on both coasts. Some favorite roles include Sandy in Grease, Polly Brown in The Boyfriend, the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Roxie in Chicago and most recently Cathy in The Last Five Years. Joy is a proud member of two acting unions, Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.
Joy always had a passion for teaching and in recent years has focused her energy in this area. She earned an M.A. in Education at the University of San Francisco and currently teaches drama and physical education in the Dublin Unified School District as well as private voice lessons for students of all ages.
Joy’s crowning achievement was helping to create Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre with amazing colleagues. PCRT fuses her two great passions: education and performance. As a resident of Pleasanton, Joy looks forward to bringing both live theatre and arts education to the community for many years to come.
