The Performing Arts Coach

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Joanne is creator and President of The Performing Arts Coaching Services, Inc.  Few theatrical coaches have had the opportunity I have had to work as both a theater professional and an educator in both New York City and Los Angeles. For over 20 years, I have used my educational and theatrical expertise to help thousands of students to unlock their talent. After earning my Bachelor degree from Hofstra University, I immediately decided to pursue a Master of Education in Theater and English from New York University. I then began my career in New York City and started the first drama department at William H. Carr, Junior High School 194. My student run productions earned awards, and the drama department still exists and thrives today. After five glorious years of teaching theater in New York, I then went on to teach drama at the prestigious Brentwood School in Los Angeles California to 7th and 8th graders.

Discovering my talent for bringing out each of my student’s potential, in September 2009 I decided to open up my own theater in Los Angeles, California, which I called: The Magic Mirror Theater. The youth theater company specialized in providing young actors of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to learn, create, explore, and perform theater together in an educational, supportive, and professional environment while developing self-esteem, teamwork, positive communication skills, and professional theater experience. What made this theater unique from any other in Los Angeles was the combination of my educational and theatrical experience in one. Students were not just working with an actor/director, but a licensed teacher. LA newcomers and beginning young actors, as well as child actor veterans, came to me to develop their talent, build their resumes’, and increase their confidence while gaining industry exposure. Through being a part of my company, actors learned the Ins and Outs of theater, and gained acting skills that improved their auditions and performances. These tools translate smoothly from theater to film and television, which is why many of my students have gone on to book lead and recurring roles on hit shows, award winning films, and stage performances. Many actors still call The Magic Mirror Theater their creative home.

I also created and ran The Mirror Theater Company at the famous Avery Schreiber Playhouse in North Hollywood. While there, I wrote, directed and produced two hit plays: "Marry, F*** or Kill" and "You Love That I’m NOT Your Wife." "Marry, F****, or Kill" was so successful in Los Angeles that it went on to NYC and ran Off Broadway at The Player’s Theater for 4 successful months. You Love That I'm NOT Your wife opened up in NYC in November 2017 and experienced a sold out run. 2018. I also produced and directed over 50 plays with my company, many of which I directed myself.  

I hope to work with you soon on accomplishing your creative goals!