Jolene Frankey

She/Her
Acting  and Musical Theatre Teacher

Jolene Frankey is a diverse performance artist who works as a director, choreographer, singer, actor, and educator. A Two-Spirit tribal member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Jolene strives to empower and diversify artists to accurately and equitably bring quality collaborations to the stage. Here at Civic Theatre, she has directed James and the Giant Peach and Flat Stanley, choreographed Seussical the Musical and Blue’s Clues Live, performed in Hairspray (Grand Award) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and is a proud member of the teaching faculty at the School of Theatre Arts.

Her work has been featured locally with Circle Theatre, Actors’ Theatre, Creative Edge Productions, Mixed Roots Collective, Ebony Road Players, Aquinas College, LaughFest, and ArtPrize; regionally with Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Playhouse, and Cherry County Playhouse; and in New York with Gateway Playhouse, CRW Productions, and NBC Studios. As an Associate Casting Director with Wojcik/Seay Casting in NYC, she cast productions for Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Riverside Theatre (FL), and Gallery Players (NYC); while casting films, commercials, and print work with Fahey Dreher Casting here in GR. Jolene loves working with the young artists here at GRCT School of Theatre Arts to develop their talents, foster their confidence, and grow their appreciation for the arts.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by music, nature, and the creativity of my fellow artists, including the wild imaginations of our students here at GRCT School of Theatre Arts.

Who is your favorite fictional character?
Little Peggy Ann McKay

What was your favorite after school snack growing up?
Chocolate chip banana bread