Collaborating with Joy
Direction, Choreography and Creation
The WHY comes first.
Joy is, and always has been, a collaborative human being. Her childhood friends remember creating theater pieces in her living room and on the playground. It is no surprise that she has found a second home behind the table in multiple capacities, from costuming, to casting. But her favorite collaborations are direction, choreography and work creation.
“One of the greatest collaborative artists I have ever worked with. Someone who is everyone's biggest cheerleader. Always striving for the best product.”
Current projects:
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Choreographing the mash up of Go-Gos music and archaic verse that is the smash-hit musical
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A Workshop performance of a new musical telling the fever dream of an activist in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring talent from Berklee College of Music and beyond.
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Joy will be choreographing the inaugural production for Arrow Street Arts in Cambridge, MA: an original and inclusive take on the Sondheim masterpiece.
Sweeney Todd - Choreographer
HEAD OVER HEELS - Choreographer
MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS (World Premiere) - Choreographer
MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS (World Premiere) - Choreographer
ERLKING (World Premiere) - Director/Choreographer
THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE - Choreographer
THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE - Choreographer
SNOOPY The Musical - Director/Choreographer
PIPPIN - Choreographer
PIPPIN - Choreographer
OUR OWN HEROES (World Premiere) - Director/Choreographer
OUR OWN HEROES (World Premier) - Director/Choreographer
STUART LITTLE - Choreographer
Sweeney Todd - Choreographer
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW - Associate Director/Choreographer
HEAD OVER HEELS - Choreographer
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW - Associate Director/Choreographer
Direction
Objective first.
Not an empty moment in sight.
Joy’s creative vision for every project is rooted in the history of the artform, creating a brave and mindful space for actors to play within, and leaving the audience changed in some way from how they arrived at the theatre. She brings this approach to every project, from theatre for young audiences, to union houses.
From outdoor musicals in the round in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, to 3,000 seat proscenium theatres, Joy has a way of making any story jump off of the stage in an intimate and human way. Her knowledge of all sides of the business makes her an intentional leader, making sure each aspect of the production, from stage management to the actors on stage, are supported and able to work to their highest potential.
Empathy and Dramaturgy leading the room.
“Joy is the most detailed, prepared director I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She starts every process with her homework done to the nth degree, and it’s obvious in how she works. Her preparedness enables her to come in the room ready with creative insights, probing questions, and a sharp eye. She makes you feel like a rock star, and she creates beautiful art in an intentionally safe environment.”
Choreography
Storytelling above all.
From Musical Theater to devised dance, from children’s theatre to Equity professionals, her humor and heart shine through.
The choreography of an actor.
Joy’s unique choreographic voice spans genres, incorporating her vast dance background into each step. Within her choreography, you see the influence of contemporary, jazz, pedestrian movement and ballet. But one thing never changes - every movement has meaning.
“What does serve this production is Clark, who… as the show’s choreographer, has the entire company moving flawlessly as one.
R. Scott Reedy, BroadwayWorld
“Remarkably, Joy Clark (choreographer), work[s] both sides of the ‘curtain’ with seeming ease, with Clark (as Mrs. Lovett) playing the leading lady. I wonder what this energetic trio eats for breakfast – I’d love to have what they’re having…unless it’s meat pies, of course.”
Linda Chin, The Theatre Mirror
“This Sweeney Todd is a little sexy… Maybe? Mardesich’s staging and Joy Clark’s choreography add lascivious layers… The Act 1 “Pretty Women” duet and fantasy ballet was queer and sexy. Both Turpin and Todd are realized as adult men with specific, unsavory kinks. The objects of their lust are mere receptacles for the men’s desires.
Kitty Drexel, New England Theatre Geek
Press
Press
Joy was interviewed by the Daily Free Press about her whimsical choreography for the world premiere of Make Way For Ducklings at Wheelock Family Theatre.
“Joy always arrives with a clear plan, but has no problem course-correcting. Because Joy has confidence and a strong sense of self, there is no ego getting in the way of considering others’ point of view, which opens up a world of opportunity in the room. Natural leadership skills are hard to come by, and Joy has them. Coupled with her positivity and razor sharp vision, I would put my energy into any project with Joy’s name attached.”
“She taps into humanity in a way that not every choreographer is able do.”
- Rachel Bertone, Director/Choreographer
“Her choreography is an inspiration for how movement should be incorporated into all performance”
- Daniel Forest Sullivan, Annie National Tour
Work Creation
Making Dream Projects a Reality.
Whether assembling the perfect team to actualize one of her own creative projects, or helping others bring their own pursuits to fruition, Joy cares deeply about the “WHY” of each creation, and the people doing the creating. She doesn’t believe in creation for the sake of creation. The underlying message, the impact, and the souls putting it into being are the reasons for the work.
Generations - Photo collaboration with Jocelyn Bold
Resilience - Photo Collaboration with Matthew Mandrus
Edmund - an exploration of King Lear’s Bastard
Technicolor - 2 person show with Molly Shimko
“Bathrobe Jukebox” Instagram series collaboration with Ryan Mardesich
