Joey Herbison

BMus- Vocal Performance, BEd

Whether it’s wandering around Disney World, watching a Broadway musical or exploring a new city, all of my favourite things have the same recipe- a cup of creativity, a handful of imagination and a dash of magic. Since I was a little guy I’ve always loved performing- living room musicals, car ride singalongs, backyard rehearsals, you name it. And the fact that I’ve been able to continue all of these into my adulthood and turn them into a career is something that I could only dream of.

My dad showed me The Wizard of Oz when I was only two years old and that was really the start of it all. Pair that with a granny who taught me to play piano by ear and the most supportive mother gathering costumes, building set pieces and sitting through endless productions and you get Joey. I don’t think a day has gone by where I haven’t used these skills to some degree and along the way I’ve also realized how much joy they can bring others.

My first castmate, student and all around theatre guinea pig was my younger sister. She was always, let’s say, willing to lend her talents to whatever production I had cooked up that day. It was even then that I realized I really loved to teach others about shows I had seen, skills I had learned and felt that pride of watching her explore and create through musical theatre.

Now, my brother, sister and I have all gone into the field of education with our own specialties and focuses. We had such strong role models who took the time to help us grow and refine our skills, something I’m very passionate about doing for my own students now.

Fast forward through many years of training, international show tours, unforgettable concert experiences, living and performing in some of the biggest cities out there and we arrive at ARTSies. ARTSies brings together all that I’ve learned and continue to learn in my personal and professional life. I am beyond proud of this community that Libby and I have built and am passionate about continuing to cultivate it and encourage our students to follow their hearts and make their dreams come true.

Fun Facts:

• I have two cats named Oaken and Binx (bonus points if you can figure out the Disney connection!)

• I am a huge fan of board games and have a large (and growing) collection.

• I have many connections to The Wizard of Oz- my birth stone is an emerald, my birthday is one day before original book author L. Frank Baum, Judy Garland (Dorothy) had one son named Joey and I’ve met some of the original actors who played munchkins in the film.

• I absolutely love to travel. I hope to visit as many countries as possible.