We are so pleased to welcome Joanna Meyer to our stage to make her Live Arts debut in ReEntry. A recent graduate with a double major in Theatre Performance and English, Joanna’s hidden talents include making balloon animals and producing realistic fake sneezes. We spent a few minutes getting to know Joanna and her take on the upcoming show.
How does it feel to be making your LAT debut?
I am so looking forward to collaborating with a great group of artists!
You play multiple characters throughout the show, as do all the other actors. Can you share your personal approach for making each character different?
It is always a tricky task for an actor to play multiple characters and to make them distinct. If it’s not, then you’re doing it wrong. Each of the characters I play present a different layer to the collage that this play creates. I try to look at each character change as approaching the subject with a fresh angle and mood. This, in addition to a shift in mannerism and vocal pattern, helps me to avoid the trap of accidentally playing the same character, just wearing a different costume piece.
Is there a specific character you play that you can relate to?
My main character, Liz, is a liberal-leaning sister to two Marines. I myself could be described as the black sheep of the family.My father, sister, and brother all became lawyers while I chose to major in theatre.
How do you relate to the show personally?
I have several close family members who have served in the military, across different wars, and it is shocking to see how widely the public opinion has varied with regards to the returning troops.
We do so many different shows here at LAT, and each one has new things to look forward to. What can our audiences look forward to with ReEntry?
Many people might say that anyone who knows a man or woman who has served in the military should see this production to better understand the trials they face upon reentry. I would take this a step further. If you have ever found yourself thanking a uniformed man or woman for their service, or declining to thank him or her out of some political vendetta, see this play. So much ignorance surrounds the public’s perception of deploying and returning soldiers motivations, experiences, and needs. They are not tragic victims. They are not tragic heroes. They are Marines.
You can catch Joanna and the other cast members as ReEntry opens October 16. Tickets go on sale September 15!