Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Resume

Publications:

Seven books published, primarily fiction and religious history.

Numerous articles, scripts, reviews published.

Play produced at Redford’s Sundance Theatre, 44 performances, 1979.

Plays produced throughout the U.S. and in Europe.

Freelance researcher for Ensign magazine, 1980-85.

Festival Radio reviewer at Edinburgh Festival of Arts, 1999 & 2000.

Performance:

Participation in over 80 plays, films and recordings in the United States and Europe. Portfolio and reviews available on request.

Teaching:

Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre and Media Arts, BYU, 1999-2000.

Graduate Student Instructor, BYU, 1976-78.

Assistant Director, Summer Theatre Workshop, BYU, 1977 & 1978.

Work History:

1986-1996: Law librarian for Parr, Waddoups, Brown, Gee and Loveless (finest law firm in Utah). Law Firm Newsletter.

During same period renovated two 17-room, historic homes in Avenues District of Salt Lake City. Rented rooms to low-income, homeless and special needs tenants.

1996-1999: Though I loved my law firm family, I needed to care for an elderly mother, I was burned out after 10 years renting to mental patients, and I wanted to return to the arts. I freelanced, traveled occasionally and took classes, including summer courses at Cambridge University in England and the University of Edinburgh. Mother passed away.

1999-2000: Accepted position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre and Media Arts at BYU (glorified substitute teacher) for two semesters and two terms.

2000 to Present: Returned to freelancing but found my health failing. 2001, married retired United Airlines pilot Russell Jobst(a pen pal of 10 years). He saw me through major surgeries in 2001 and again in 2002. We currently live on a one-acre macadamia farm on the Big Island of Hawaii. I have a weak heart.

Academic:

Master of Arts Degree, Theatre and Cinematic Arts/Education, Brigham Young University, 1978.

Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts, Brigham Young University, 1976.

Associate of Arts Degree, Barstow Community College, California, 1973.

Business Certificate, Skadron College of Business, California, 1972.

Additonal education includes studies in Hawaii, the University of Edinburgh, and two summers at Cambridge University, England (stipend awarded 1998).

Scholarships include BYU Presidential Scholarship (full tuition), Mask Club Acting Award and Scholarship, American Association of University Women Scholarship.

Named to Outstanding Young Women of America by the College of Fine Arts, 1978, and by the BYU Alumni Association, 1979, etc.

References*:

Joy and George Robinson/Salt Lake City (for work in the Avenues houses)

David Jones/real estate agent (for work in the Avenues houses)

Marv Gardner/BYU professor, formerly with Ensign magazine (for work at Ensign)

David Barras/former director of Festival Radio (for work in Edinburgh)

Bob Nelson/currently Chair, Dept. of Performing Arts at Univerity of Utah (for teaching at BYU)

Dan Carter/composer (for freelancing work)

Steve Cracroft/film maker (for freelancing work)

James Arrington/Chair of Arts and Communications at UVSC (for theatre work)

Parr Waddoups Brown Gee & Loveless/Salt Lake City (for law firm work) Contact one of the attorneys who was there during my tenure: Robert Lochhead, Roger Henricksen, Bruce Maak, Clay Parr, Steve Sargent, Clark Waddoups, Ron Russell, Robert Clark, a dozen more.

*If you would like to contact me or recieve contact number for any of the references above please leave a comment.

RAVES AND EMBELLISHMENTS

“By far the outstanding performance was that of Joan Oviatt…an emotional as well as physical feat.” (Mission Call) – Lowell N. Steele, The Daily Universe, 11/5/75.

“Joan Oviatt as Widow Quin played…the part with insightful sensitivity.” (Playboy of the Western World) – Charlene Winters, The Daily Herald, 10/31/77.

“Admirable performances contributed by…Joan Oviatt…” (A Man For All Seasons) – Tom Smith, The Green Sheet, 3/27/80.

“The character of Mama Longstreet, played by Joan Oviatt, could not have been better. The big song hits come through with the verve and snap of the old Broadway presentation. Those are ‘Papa, Won’t You Dance With Me’ and ‘I Still Get Jealous.’” (High Button Shoes) – Howard Pearson, Deseret News, 7/12/82.

“Cy Gessel and Joan Oviatt were both absolutely captivating. Both gave the kind of total effort to their characters that draws attention to them…Miss Oviatt’s rich vocalizing on ‘Day By Day’ was a musical highlight of the show.” (Godspell) – Joseph Walker, Deseret News, 12/14/82.

“Calvin Archibald and Joan Oviatt nearly steal the show.” (Annie) – Bill Brough and Robin Chmelar, U of U Chronicle, 9/83.

“Joan Oviatt is sweet enough and light enough to be the fairy godmother and has a voice that is just right for the role.” (Cinderella) – Howard Pearson, Deseret News, 2/17/84.

“Joan Oviatt is fun to watch as his supportive, spirited wife. The scenes in the home of the optimistic and loving family highlight the show.” (A Christmas Carol) – Joseph Walker, Deseret News, 11/30/84.

“Joan Oviatt delivers an enjoyable portrayal of Sarah, the resident Swedish chef. Her wide eyes and broad accent give some great moments of fun.” (Man Who Came to Dinner) – Kent Anderson, The Daily Utah Chronicle, 12/4/86.

“Joan Oviatt brings vividly to life one of the forgotten women of American History…. Highly recommended.” (Sixth Wife) – David Barras, Festival Radio, 8/2000.

“Inspiring in its message that someone starting with so little can make such a difference.” (Sixth Wife) – Three Weeks, 8/2000.

“An interesting insight into a rarely represented culture.” (Sixth Wife) – Diane Dubois, The Scotsman, 8/2000.

“A tour de force. A great life wonderfully brought to the stage by an actress of passion and love for her subject.” (Sixth Wife) – Graeme Henderson, Tap/estry, 8/2000.

“It’s a play that attracts a mature audience perhaps familiar with Well’s journalistic contributions, or a younger crowd inspired by her ideals. Neither is disappointed as Joan Oviatt presents a steadily-paced, mastered monologue.” (Sixth Wife) – Marisa de Andrade, The Edinburgh Guide, 8/2004.

“She’s a wonderful character, faultlessly performed, and captures the wisdom of white hair whilst retaining the sparkle of a mischievous eye.” (Sixth Wife) – ERH, Three Weeks, 8/2004.

“This one woman show is relatively fascinating when hearing her own personal background and how she struggled to be an actress. However, the piece as a whole lacks continuity…. Joan Oviatt is intriguing and a talented actress. She appears to have lead an interesting life. Perhaps if this had been made into a play about her experience growing up in the Wild West it may have been more exciting…” (Cowboy Shakespeare) – Georgina Merry, The Edinburgh Guide, 8/2004.

“Oviatt ages wonderfully and gives a very moving, memorable performance…” (Sixth Wife) – Don Marshall, Deseret News, 9/12/2004.