We sat down with Jhonika Wright, a Season 45 Resident Actor with our company this season, to hear her express how the power of live theatre has impacted her own life as a human and an artist. Read on below:
I was just 3 years old when I saw my first musical, CATS. To this day I still remember sitting in the second row, completely mesmerized that my favorite VHS tape was being performed live in front of my eyes and not on a screen.
Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be a singer, and more specifically a Disney Channel star. I thought being on tv was the only outlet for me, until my mom put me in a theatre summer camp at 11 years old. When I realized this art combined my love for singing, dancing, and acting, I was hooked and never looked back.
Theatre has not only been a constant creative outlet and form of expression for myself, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. I discovered a love for myself through performance, as it allows me to be comfortable in my own skin and live authentically. Through theatre I discovered my voice and my desire to connect and impact those around me through storytelling and representation on and off stage.
I believe that the arts have the capacity to save lives. The arts are our connection to our shared community and allow others to amplify their lived experiences to wider audiences. Theatre empowers us, uplifts us, and inspires us to continually give voices to those who need them. By living in others’ shoes and learning genuine expression, artists demonstrate the power of understanding. In a 2 ½ hour performance alone we have the ability to change someone’s perspective on life and the world around us, be the reason why someone chooses to go into the arts, and most importantly, make them feel seen and represented.
We are in an industry that is eye opening and constantly changing. As a performer who is a woman of color and plus-sized, I am always so grateful to represent on stage those who share these characteristics with me, and I hope to continue to impact audience members and future performers through the passion and joy of my work.
Jhonika is thrilled to be joining Charleston Stage as a Resident Actor! Originally from Maryland, she spent most of her life in Arkansas where she graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Her favorite roles include: Wendla (Spring Awakening), Cairo (We Are the Tigers), Woman 1 (Songs for a New World), Grizabella (Cats), and Yertle the Turtle (Seussical the Musical). Sending all the love to her incredible family and friends for their endless support, “This one is for you!” To keep up with all things Jhonika, you can visit her Instagram: @jhonikaaaa