Testimonials

Joy Theatre is a specially designed blend of Josh Minnick and Janiece Jary. Created to help kids of all ages and abilities, their Joy Theatre has aided in the confidence of all kinds of kids, from the athlete to the dancer, the autistic child to the Hollywood actor. Bringing joy to kids and parents is their greatest joy, hence Joy Theatre.

Joy Theater has helped make our initially shy kids into confident, creative performers--both on and off the stage. It's fun and it's good for them!--Steve Bernstein (5-time Emmy award winning composer)

"My improv experience with Joy Theater has been invaluable in auditions. On many auditions, I am asked to do at least some improv and the skills that Josh and Janiece have taught me have given me confidence and practice to think quickly on my feet. I know it has made the difference between booking and not. Everyone can benefit from improv, even if you are not an actor." Aidan Gould (The Rainbow Tribe, "Passions" , A New Tomorrow , "Gilmore Girls", The Red Balloon,The Secret Life of Leonardo Da Vinci, "Friday Night Slimetime", "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson")

"I love Joy Theater. The games we play are so much fun and Josh is a big, funny goofball. We always laugh and have a good time. I never miss a class and the shows are great to be a part of." Nolan Gould (Feature Films Hysteria, Space Buddies , Hallmark's Sweet Nothing in My Ear, "Out of Jimmy's Head", + countless commercials)

“Josh & Janiece introduced me to the world of improv and it greatly enhanced my career and they have been great family and friends ever since.”
- JPaul Zimmerman (Halloween Town Movies, Earth II, That 70’s Show)

"Josh and Janiece are extremely gifted teachers who exercise great patience and respect for the individual child while teaching them to stretch their imaginations and build confidence through great classic improv games.These series of class not only are for professionals but really are wonderful for anyone who wants to become more extroverted or learn how to tell simple stories in the safest environment "
Christine Zander - Writer/Producer: Saturday Night Live, Third Rock From the Sun, Samantha Who?, Nurse Jackie

Hi Josh and Janiece!!! I want to thank you for all of what you taught me. I used those skills to audition for the Groundlings Improv School and i got accepted!! I am soooooo Excited to start classes there. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!!!
Sincerely,
Corina Boettger (Akeelah and the Bee)

"Giggle Gaggle (show) is like my second home." -Sami Fagen (artist, current member)

He's always been kind of shy, off stage, but he is gaining much more self confidence and becoming more assertive. I also encourage him to remember to also be respectful. I know that DT (Detention Span show), and his other acting experiences has helped him alot. Thanks so much for all your caring, love, jerry (Jerry Wilk, parent)

The kids really learn to 'think quick on their feet!" This has helped them alot in auditions and meetings with Casting Directors! Carol Robinson (parent of twins Courtney Robinson of McDonalds and Christina Robinson of Dexter)

Janiece and Josh at Joy Theatre have done wonders with my girls. I have 3 daughters that took their class for over 3 years straight. Detention Span was one of the first classes they starting taking after moving to LA from the SF Bay Area. Their class really helped with any shyness they had and brought their natural comedic talents out. Within a few months of joining, one of my daughters booked a National Sears Commercial. Janiece and Josh are much more than Acting Instructors to my girls, they are more of an inspiration and friend. Joy Theater gave them self confidence and made them feel like they could do anything they put their minds to. Although they have moved on with other activities, they keep in touch and know they could always depend on Janiece and Josh if they need anything. Thumbs up to JOY THEATER.-Laura Sixtos (Sixtos Talent Management)

Josh and Janiece make Joy Theater a second home for all their kids - my kid has taken plenty of classes in his day, and Sunday Funnies with Stephanie is hands-down his all time favorite. A funnier, kinder, warmer, happier place I could never find - they do terrific work and I love to take my son there every week. What did we do before Joy Theater?? DewedMom

I love Joy Theatre because I never know what will happen next. The shows are fun, entertaining and the kids are brilliant.! Nicole B

JOY THEATRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's an amazing, loving place to bring your talented children. I really can't say enough good things about this troupe.......... Diane L.

very funny! saw some kids i've seen on tv too which made my kids very excited. it's an improv show folks, not a kids play, so know that going in! my kid's too shy to go up on stage when she was given the chance, but even though it was comedy, they were nice about it and didn't make fun of her. showrunner7

The kids are talented... the owners are passionate about creating a comfortable place to let kids explore creatively... and the shows are fun and funny. Shandon Youngclaus

Such an amazing theatre, fun and really changes lives. Gives back to the community, please check it out! Lisa D

Joy Theatre is a wonderful place for kids to learn, grow and explore. Josh and Janiece are excellent teachers and the children come away with new skills AND a super boost to their self-esteem. I highly recommend the classes for just about any child. Oh, and the shows are fun to watch too! The name is fitting ... JOY theatre. Laura Mahoney

I schlepped my two Children to Joy Theatre for several years; it's the best confidence builder. Both of my kids are now acting and my son is in a rock and roll band, called drive A, he at the ripe age of 16 speaks to 8 to 10,000 people on stage and I give all the credit to Josh and Janiece for their patience, teaching creativeness skills, and above all the moral character that they have instilled in my children. Martin Luther King said, "you don't judge a person by the color of their skin, but by the content of their characterî Janiece and Josh have successfully done that. And I thank them. I recommend their school above all, for the love and care they bring to all children and the great creative education they teach. God Bless them and many thanks to both of them. - John Moio (Stunt Coordinator)

GREAT GROUP !! Starcraft Talent Agency

This group rocks!The adults & kids interact so well together! David Lovejoy

Joy is the perfect word for the environment that has been created at this theatre. A creative, vibrant and loving atmosphere that is both supportive and instructive. An absolute must-do class for kids who wish to learn the craft.

We've been taking our kids to Joy Theatre for 7 years! In addition to being great fun for performers and audience alike, it has been and continues to be a fabulous learning experience. Our children have grown socially and intellectually, and we have Josh and Janiece Minnick to thank!! Julie Bernstein

great and funny shows. I have seen Giggle Gaggle and Detention Span a number of times. Go see the shows. You wont be sorry Colleen Killham

I'd give more than 5 stars if it were possible! My twin 8 year old boys love coming to Joy every weekend, and are excited telling their friends to come see the performances. It gives them somewhere to not only vent their creative energies but also hone their skills as actors and speakers. And their little brothers can't wait until they are old enough to come. The shows are witty and engaging, and can be enjoyed by every age, not just children. So glad we are part of this wonderful place! rhinomommy

Thanks to Joy Theatre, my son Andy's confidence on stage grew enormously. Josh and Janiece are kind, creative, nurturing teachers. Joy Theatre is fantastic! Mark Nutter (film & Tv writer)

This is the best place in town to be a part of a nurturing, artistic and valuable acting/improv class for everyone of all ages. These series of class not only are for professionals but really are wonderful for anyone who wants to become more extroverted or learn how to tell simple stories in the safest environment Christine Zander (co-founder)

without question the best, most fun experience for kids and adults in LA as participants and audience. great opportunity for kids to learn improv and sketch comedy and to gain confidence on stage while having loads of fun. Jerry Wilk

This is the best kid/teen Improv group I have ever seen (and I have seen a lot of them)

The teachers, Josh, Janiece, Stephanie and Chris, perform in the shows with the kids. This enhances and supports the kids performances. Giggle Gaggle and Detention Span Shows are a mix of improv, standup and sketch. The Saturday Riots and The Sunday Funnies concentrate on Improvisation. The teachers are very supportive. All of these kids will not choose acting as a career, but they will perform better in life because of the skills they learn here Susan Berger

This is the best improv show for your buck! The show is a lot of fun, and you can see the cast having as much fun as the audience. Josh and Janiece have created a balanced and systematic approach for students to learn as both a group and as individuals! While being very serious about their craft they also remember the love of performing on stage. As a school teacher, and a lover of theatre, I high recommend this show for kids and adults of all ages! Jon Lally

Joy Theater is a terrific home to improv and comedy in the NoHo Arts district. The improv shows performed by kids are spectacular. There is a class and show for kids under 12 ("Giggle Gaggle") and also a teen improv class and show ("Detention Span") every Saturday & Sunday. Sunday mornings they have an improv show for all ages called "Sunday Funnies." And there is adult comedy and improv too. Josh Minnick and Janiece Jary are the directors/ringleaders for this zany bunch of clever creative performers. Don't miss this show! Bruce H.

Joy is the perfect word for the environment that has been created at this theatre. A creative, vibrant and loving atmosphere that is both supportive and “I have watched Josh and Janiece’s business become a terrific, reliable and safe environment for any actor to grow. I always refer their classes to my young clients who love their technique. No-one has their drive, care and passion – they are a pleasure to know !” -Laura Pallas (PALLAS MANAGEMENT)

Thank you, Janiece and Josh for all your help, you are without a doubt, the best of the best. being 16 isn't easy you know when being a member in the Rock Band, "DriveA". We face a lot of challenges during every performance, thanks for the confidence you built in me, I have played for thousands of people from the "Royal Albert Hall" in London, to various venue's across the United States, Concerts such as "Rock on the Range" in Columbus Ohio to the "Edgefest" in Dallas Texas and many more, as well as various clubs throughout L.A. like the 'Key club", "Roxy" Etc. Thank Goodness for your superior training or I would be in trouble at interviews following concerts and club engagements, and Radio Stations across the pond as well as across the U.S., and not being stage fright when performing and talking to thousands of people at concerts. Thanks for remaining good friends with me and letting me come back as often as possible for additional training whenever I'm in town.
Your friend always Ashton Moio myspace.com/drivea

I love Joy Theatre because I never know what will happen next. The shows are fun, entertaining and the kids are brilliant.! If your kids (teens too) are new to LA for acting, or if they've been here a while, Joy Theatre should be one of your first and regular workshop / programs. They have been the start of many a kid in Hollywood's journey...they have the track record to prove it.

What sets them apart from the other numerous kids acting programs in LA, is the involvement and personal interaction with Janiece and Josh, and Chris and Stephanie (and the others that coach here).

Joy is NOT a cattle call, cram 'em in and do the same routine over and over again; they are no nonsense, a blast to play with, and it's a safe environment to drop the kids off at.

Great learning environment for the children and fun also. Built great self esteem in my daughter.

Hide

Show

Testimonials

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.