Joye Thaller
What is your definition of misery?
The absence of whom or what you love.
What is your greatest fear?
Dying alone. That and getting sucked out of an airplane when some maniac manages to pry the door open mid-flight.
What was your first “real” job working in theatre?
The first paycheck for doing anything theatre related was as House Manager and Technical Director of ImprovBoston. As an actor, it was performing in the children’s theatre company, Pocket-Full-Of-Tales.
Are you a good at waiting tables?
No idea. I have worked almost every other aspect of the food industry though, including McDonald’s, Bertucci’s, and Starbucks!
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Lizzie Borden (I’m sorry, I couldn’t think of anyone and my roommate just shouted that out).
Who are your favorite heroes of theatre?
Sandy Meisner. I’ve learned a lot from his technique. I also have to say (and I know I will be scoffed at for this)…Andrew Lloyd Webber. I listened to him all through high school and he really inspired me to get into musical theatre and other types of theatre from there.
Who are your favorite heroes in real life?
My students. I see what some of them go through every day, at home, on the streets, at school, just to try to get a high school diploma. Also, my father. He was raised by a single mother during the Great Depression, fought in World War II and the Korean War, survived tuberculosis, raised 6 kids with my mother, and is still going strong.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Leadership ability. Try having 10 leaders in a room and see what gets accomplished. Ability to acquiesce is just as important.
What do you consider the most underrated virtue?
Abstinence (from anything). I respect anyone who abstains from anything that is easy to succumb to, especially at risk of mockery from others.
Your favorite painter?
Monet
Your favorite musician?
Chopin
Your favorite playwright?
Tennessee Williams
When and where were you happiest?
Probably family holidays, particularly when I was younger. I have a very large family (5 brothers, 15 nieces and nephews) and the few times everyone is together, I forget anything bad that is going on in my life and am happy just being.
What do you most value in colleagues?
In my work colleagues, their commitment to the kids. In my current cast, their sense of fun!
Is there a class in which you wish you had paid more attention?
I went to Engineering School at Cornell; you don’t *not* pay attention in those classes.
If you didn’t work in theatre, what would you do?
Ummm…I don’t work in theatre. I’m a high school math teacher.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Switching out of a career I didn’t like.
What you’d like to be the world’s best at?
Playing drums on Rock Band.
What book would you read more than once?
Siddhartha. I’ve read it several times.
Who would play you in a movie of your life? Why?
Dame Judy Dench. Because she’s *that* good, she just might be able to pull it off.
What sports teams do you follow?
I’m not much of a sports fan.
Where would you like to spend a vacation?
Well, I did the whole European backpacking thing last summer, so I guess next time, I’d love to go to Australia and New Zealand.
What car would you like to be seen driving around in?
The one I drive now, a Ford Escape Hybrid.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
The Thirteenth Tale.
If you could see a great production of a classic play, what would it be?
Anything by Moliere. And I’ve love to see it in the original French.
If you could travel back in time to visit or live in any time in history, when would it be?
No way! I feel way too spoiled by all these electronics.
What actor will see in any project they do?
Bruce Campbell.
Thank you to Joye Thaller (tag archive). Photo courtesy Holland Productions (website | profile | tag archive).
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