Faculty Profile: Joe Jezewski
Joe Jezewski, associate professor of theatre, brings over thirty years of teaching and professional experience working in the theatre to his collaboration with Alma College Theatre students. He has directed and acted professionally in theatres in New York City, New Jersey, Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Florida and Georgia. Previously he was the head of the directing program and Artistic Director/Producer of the Studio Theatre at Fordham University at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Joe came to Alma in the fall of 1993 when the Remick Heritage Center for the Performing Arts opened. His goal was to develop a new theatre program to compliment the strong dance and music programs that already existed. As the Director of Theatre at Alma College, he teaches acting, directing and theatre history and serves as the Director of Theatre.
“My approach to acting and directing has been greatly influenced by the work of Sanford Meisner who developed a wonderful process to help actors live truthfully in the imaginary circumstances of the world created on stage. I believe in establishing a classroom and rehearsal environment where students feel safe to take risks and stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone. Young theatre artists need a careful mixture of discipline within a nurturing environment where they are not afraid of failure and where success is measured in individual growth and development.”
Joe did his undergraduate work in central Pennsylvania at a small liberal arts college very similar to Alma College. He originally intended to pursue a medical career and started college with a double major in biology and chemistry, but switched his major during his junior year and earned a B.A. in Theatre from Lycoming College. He holds an M.A. from the University of Kentucky and an M.F.A. in Directing from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.
This year will mark the 140th play produced by Alma College Theatre in the Heritage Center since it opened in the fall of 1993.
